Asha Degree Missing From North Carolina in 2000

[Amy]

9 Year Old Asha Degree went missing February 14, 2000 from Shelby, NC. Her dad saw her at 2:30am, and her brother who she shared a room with her said he heard noises coming from her bed. At 6.30am her mother discovered her, and a few of her things, missing.

Though quiet, happy, and shy, the police believe she left on her own after two truck drivers stated they saw her walking down the highway between 3:30 a.m. and 4:15 a.m., but then she turned off the highway and walked into the darkness.

Three days later, her pencil and hair bow were found in the doorway of a tool shed not to far from where she was seen.

Some 18 months later, her book bag was found double-wrapped in trash bags 26 miles from her home, but in a different direction from the one she’d been walking.

Nearby a few animal bones and a pair of men’s khaki pants were found. The case became a criminal matter. However, she, nor any further evidence, has ever been found.

FBI Information:

REWARD: The FBI is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Asha Degree's disappearance.

Asha Jaquilla Degree has been missing from her home in Shelby, North Carolina, since February 14, 2000. Family members last saw her asleep in her bedroom at approximately 2:30 am. At 4:00 am, she was seen by drivers walking along North Carolina Highway 18 in Shelby, North Carolina. She was reported missing by her parents by 6:30 am. More than a year later, Asha's book bag was discovered buried along North Carolina 18 in Burke County. FBI Charlotte is investigating in partnership with the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.

• Date of Birth: August 5, 1990
• Hair: Black
• Place of Birth: Shelby, North Carolina
• Eyes: Brown
• Height: 4'6" (at time of disappearance)
• Weight: 60 pounds (at time of disappearance)
• Sex: Female
• Race: Black

[Morbid75]

Someone reported to the SBI they saw her in Salisbury probably 4 or 5 years ago. When the SBI met with local police they think it was case of mistaken identity but were never sure.

That never made the papers. But they did dig up plots and plots of land in Cleveland, NC because of another lead. I remember when she went missing.

[K53]

Known only to God

[Danihatesyou]

that's weird she kinda looks like my grandmothers caregiver

[Susan]

So she was 9/10 when she went missing?

[Amy]

9. Birthdate: 8/5/90 Disappeared: 2/14/00

Would have turned 10 in August.

[CrunchyCripple]

Originally Posted by Amy

9. Birthdate: 8/5/90 Disappeared: 2/14/00

Would have turned 10 in August.

Wouldn't that be 25?

[Amy]

Originally Posted by CrunchyCripple

Wouldn't that be 25?

I assume she meant age she disappeared.

10 August of 2000

[CrunchyCripple]

Oh duh sorry

[chris]

You know, not blaming them, but what person see's a nine year old walking down the street at 4AM and does not think something may be up. Would have taken 5 minutes to call 911 and let a deputy know there is a young person wandering the streets at 4AM and they might want to check on her.