New Clues Emerge in 25-Year Search for Missing Girl Asha Degree

Shelby, North Carolina — Twenty-five years after Asha Degree vanished on Valentine’s Day 2000, new evidence has revived interest in her case and reignited hope for resolution among her family and community.

Asha, then 9 years old, was last seen walking along North Carolina Highway 18 in the early hours before dawn. She was described as a shy girl who rarely ventured outside without her parents’ permission. Asha’s disappearance shocked her small community, leaving many questions unanswered.

“All of a sudden, people who didn’t ordinarily lock their doors started to,” said Brandy Beard, a local reporter who has covered the case extensively. “As the years went on, people never really forgot.”

Asha’s mother, Iquilla Degree, has been a vocal advocate for spotlighting the racial disparity in missing children cases. She believes that cases like Asha’s often receive less attention when the victims are children of color.

In August 2001, a significant breakthrough occurred when a construction crew found Asha’s book bag, located more than 20 miles from where she was last seen. The discovery included a T-shirt belonging to another person, prompting investigators to explore new leads further.

The renewed investigation led to the identification of a possible suspect, Roy Lee Dedmon, and the recovery of a green vehicle that matched the description of one allegedly involved in Asha’s disappearance. Documents released in September indicated that law enforcement now considers Asha Degree to be a homicide victim, with evidence suggesting concealment of her body.

“Through the years, one thing has never changed is just how badly people want to know what happened to Asha,” Beard remarked. “You don’t mess with our children.”

Further investigation has revealed potential connections to Dedmon’s family, particularly concerning his three daughters, who were children at the time of Asha’s disappearance. DNA evidence has hinted at familial ties that may hold significance to the case.

Despite the tantalizing developments, no arrests have been made, and Dedmon’s family has publicly denied any involvement. “The connection to Roy Dedmon and his family is tenuous at best,” stated David Teddy, a lawyer representing the Dedmon family. “Roy has maintained that they’re not involved.”

As the investigation remains ongoing, the community’s hope for closure endures. billboards have been updated with a sketch of what Asha might look like today, a solemn reminder of the search for justice. “People want justice. People want her family to be able to find peace,” Beard said.

Those closest to Asha continue to express unwavering hope. Iquilla Degree reflected sentimentally at a remembrance event, stating, “I believe she’s still alive, and until somebody can prove me wrong, I’m still going to believe that.”