Asha Degree’s Disappearance: 25 Years Later, the Unsolved Mystery Continues
By: Wise News Network Staff
Shelby, NC (WNN) — The quiet town of Shelby, North Carolina, braces for a somber anniversary. Nearly 25 years have passed since the disappearance of 9-year-old Asha Degree. This case has become a chilling reminder of the unknown and a source of enduring heartbreak for her family and the community. On February 14th, 2000, Asha vanished from her home, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and a void that time has yet to fill.
A Valentine’s Day Nightmare
The circumstances surrounding Asha’s disappearance are mysterious. Her father Harold Degree, checked on her around 2:30 a.m. on Valentine’s Day and saw her sleeping in her room. By morning, she was gone. There were no signs that someone had broken in, no struggle, and nothing missing from the home. However, Asha had packed a small bag with personal belongings, which she took with her. Her sudden disappearance was completely unexpected—what began as a typical morning quickly turned into a parent’s worst nightmare.
A Walk into the Pre-Dawn Darkness
Investigators believe Asha left her home willingly, a theory supported by witness accounts. Multiple individuals reported seeing a young girl matching Asha’s description walking along Highway 18, also known as Shelby- Casar Road, around 4:00 a.m. Asha was seen being pulled into a 1970s green Lincoln, Thunderbird, or another similar vehicle and has not been seen since.
The Frustrating Search and Lingering Questions
The Initial search for Asha was extensive and comprehensive, as detailed in the search warrant. For two weeks, law enforcement utilized every resource at their disposal, including Tracking and HRD (Human Remains Detection) K9 units, horses, ATVs, a dive team, aerial searches, neighborhood canvasses, and numerous interviews with law enforcement and community members/volunteers.
Despite these tireless efforts, the initial search concluded with no sign of Asha. The lack of any clear leads has made the case challenging, fueling speculation and adding to the frustration of investigators and the community.
Search Warrant Details and the Cherryville Road Property
Details from the search warrant reveal investigators suspect Asha Degree is a victim of homicide, with her body concealed. The warrant, executed in September 2024, focuses on a property on Cherryville Road in Shelby, NC, owned by Roy Dedmon.
The warrant mentions the ages of three Dedmon children in 2000 – Lizzie Grace Dedmon Foster, Sarah Gwen Dedmon Caple, and Annalee Victoria Dedmon Ramirez- and suggests that adult assistance from Roy and Connie Dedmon would have been necessary “in the execution and/or concealment of the crime.”
It also states that investigators believe personal effects belonging to Asha, along with other potential forensic evidence, may be found at the residence of 621 Cherryville Road.
Additionally, the warrant details that Roy Dedmon has 29 vehicles registered in his name and mentions a previous search of the property via a drone in February 2024. Investigators noted several vehicles on the property but were unable to obtain VINs.
DNA Evidence Links Asha to Dedmon Family
The search warrant reveals significant DNA evidence. Laboratory analysis of a hair sample from Asha’s undershirt indicates a likely match to Annalee Victoria Dedmon Ramirez, daughter of Roy and Connie Dedmon. This suggests a familial relationship and raises critical questions about the nature of Asha’s connection to the Dedmon family.
Asha’s Bookbag and the Burke County Discovery
In Burke County, along Highway 18 South near Morganton, NC, a construction crew found Asha’s bookbag and clothing seventeen months after her disappearance. The items were wrapped in two sealed black plastic garbage bags.
The location of this discovery approximately 21 miles north of where Asha was last seen, adds a layer of complexity to the investigation. The search warrant notes that the evidence was found by a construction crew working in the area.
Potential Connection To Cleveland Health Care and Northbrook Rest Home
The search warrant also reveals Roy Dedmon’s connection to Cleveland Health Care in 2000, where he was involved in the care of a resident named Underhill. The warrant mentions that Dedmon’s daughter would transport patients to Broughton Hospital in Morganton.
Interestingly, Asha Degree’s bookbag was discovered along Highway 18 which is noted as the most logical route between Dedmon’s residence and Broughton Hospital, and approximately 7.2 miles from the hospital itself.
Furthermore, after the closure of Cleveland Health Care, the Dedmons opened an assisted living facility called Northbrook Rest Home, where Underhill resided until he died in 2004. These connections raise questions about the nature of Dedmons’ relationship with Asha and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
Family’s Cooperation and Continued Search for Answers
Investigators have interviewed and polygraphed Asha’s parents and brother multiple times. All information obtained from Asha Degree’s immediate and extended family indicates they do not know her whereabouts nor have had any type of contact with her since her disappearance 24 years ago.
This highlights the family’s ongoing cooperation with investigators and underscores their continued search for answers.
FBI Joins the Investigation, New Video Offers a Glimmer of Hope
Early in the investigation, the FBI joined forces with local authorities, recognizing the complexity of the case. The case remains active, and despite the passage of time, law enforcement continues to pursue any potential leads.
Law enforcement continues to urge anyone with information, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, to come forward.
A Community’s Enduring Hope and a Family’s Unwavering Resolve
Despite the years that have passed, the community of Shelby has not forgotten Asha. Her story is a constant reminder of the unsolved mystery that haunts their town. The community holds annual events to commemorate her disappearance, keep her story alive, and demonstrate unwavering support for her family.
Meanwhile, Asha’s family continues to hold onto hope and believe that one day they will finally know what happened to her.
A Quarter Century of Unanswered Questions and The Search for Closure
As the 25-year mark approaches, the questions surrounding Asha’s disappearance remain unanswered. Where did she go? Was she abducted? Did she run away? Those are the questions that haunt her family, investigators, and the community. The hope remains that one day the mystery of Asha Degree will finally be solved, bringing closure to this case.
Those with information about Asha Degree’s disappearance can call the FBI at 704-672-6100 or the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office at 704-484-4822. There is a $45,000 reward.
Want to Know More?
If you would like more information about the case you can read our other article about it here.
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