Shelby, NC – November 5, 2025 – Asha Degree, a 9-year-old girl from Shelby, North Carolina, vanished on February 14, 2000, and her disappearance remains one of the most perplexing and heartbreaking cases in the region. Despite the passage of over two decades, there are still no definitive answers, and authorities continue their search for the truth.
What Happened
Asha was last seen in her bedroom sometime between 2:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. on February 14, 2000. Harold Degree, Asha’s father, checked on her and her older brother before going to bed, and Iquilla Degree, Asha’s mother, went to wake the children for school the next morning to find Asha missing. There were no signs of forced entry into the home, and no promising scent trail for search dogs to follow.
The Strange Sighting
Later that morning, investigators received two separate reports from individuals who claimed to have seen a young girl walking along Highway 18 in the early hours of February 14. The sightings occurred around 4:00 a.m., with one person recalling seeing a girl matching Asha’s description walking in the opposite direction of her home. This was the last confirmed sighting of Asha. According to one of the witnesses, the girl had stepped off the road and disappeared into the woods before the witness could return to check on her.
The Backpack Discovery
18 months later, a significant piece of evidence was found—Asha’s backpack, located 26 miles away from her home. However, the discovery only deepened the mystery, as it raised even more questions about why Asha was walking alone, in the early hours, far from home. Despite the new lead, Asha’s whereabouts remain unknown.
Investigative Efforts and Public Focus
In 2024, investigators publicly stated that they believe Asha was a victim of homicide and that they are focusing on a local family in connection with the case, though no arrests have been made. The FBI, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI), and Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office are still actively investigating the case.
Reward for Information
A reward of up to $75,000 is being offered for any information that could lead to resolving Asha’s case and finding out what happened to her. As the investigation continues, authorities are hoping the public may have new information that can help bring justice and closure to Asha’s family.
How You Can Help
If you have any information about Asha Degree’s disappearance or her whereabouts, please contact the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office at 704-484-4788 or the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation at 919-662-4500.
Every new lead, no matter how small, could bring us closer to finding Asha and bringing her family the closure they desperately need.
This story may be updated with more information as the investigation progresses.
The post MISSING PERSON: The Disappearance of 9-Year-Old Asha Degree – Where is She? first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
