Asha Degree, a 9-year-old girl from North Carolina, vanished in 2000 and is now presumed dead, according to a warrant released recently. Degree disappeared from her home in Shelby during a rainy night, and her parents reported her missing the following morning. The Cleveland County police now believe she was killed, as mentioned in a search warrant, though the case remains unsolved after 24 years.
Last week, the FBI seized a vehicle from a property located miles away from where Degree went missing. The vehicle may resemble one that was seen near the area where Degree was possibly picked up around the time of her disappearance.
The investigation has led authorities to search multiple properties, including a home in Shelby, another in Charlotte, and an assisted living center in Vale, all as part of ongoing efforts to solve the case.
Warrant Reveals New Details in Asha Degree Case as FBI Seizes Vehicle and Searches Multiple Properties
Significant evidence in the case includes Degree’s backpack, which was found 17 months after she went missing, more than 30 miles away from her home. The backpack discovered off a highway in Morgantown, was wrapped in two sealed garbage bags and contained belongings of Degree. The discovery of this backpack has been a key piece in the investigation but has yet to lead to her whereabouts or an arrest.
One of the properties searched last week is reportedly owned by Roy Lee Dedmon, but his connection to Degree’s disappearance has not been fully explained.
DNA found in Degree’s backpack has been linked to AnnaLee Dedmon Ramirez and Russell Underhill, though the nature of their involvement remains unclear. Dedmon Ramirez was 13 when Degree disappeared, and Underhill, who died in 2004, lived in facilities owned by Dedmon, adding further layers to the investigation.
Authorities also seized several items from Dedmon’s home, including electronics such as cellphones and laptops, along with a plastic bag containing a human tooth. Despite these developments, Degree’s case remains unresolved, with no criminal charges filed. Roy Lee Dedmon, who is under investigation, continues to maintain his innocence.
