DEAD PERSON HOLDS KEY? ASHA DEGREE, 9, DISAPPEARS FROM HOME IN MIDDLE OF NIGHT
Digest
This podcast delves into the unsolved disappearance of nine-year-old Aasha Degree, who vanished from her home in Shelby, North Carolina, on Valentine's Day 2000. The episode begins by outlining the initial investigation, the involvement of law enforcement, and the search for clues. It then features interviews with Aasha's family, who describe the events leading up to her disappearance and their cooperation with law enforcement. The episode also presents eyewitness accounts from individuals who claim to have seen Aasha walking along Highway 18 the morning after her disappearance. The podcast then discusses the FBI's involvement in the case, including the execution of search warrants and the discovery of evidence linking Aasha's disappearance to a specific location. The episode explores the potential motives behind Aasha's disappearance and the challenges faced by investigators. The episode reveals the discovery of candy wrappers, a pencil marker, and a Mickey Mouse hair bow belonging to Aasha in a shed behind a local upholstery shop. The significance of these findings is discussed, and the possibility of foul play is explored. The podcast also examines Aasha's passion for basketball and the possibility that her disappearance may be connected to her athletic aspirations. The episode reveals the discovery of Aasha's backpack at a construction site over a year after her disappearance. The location of the backpack and its contents are discussed, and the episode explores the potential implications of this finding. The podcast focuses on the investigation into a green sedan that may have been involved in Aasha's disappearance. The episode discusses the FBI's efforts to identify the vehicle and its potential connection to the case. The episode details the execution of search warrants at multiple locations, including the homes of Roy and Connie Deadman. The episode explores the evidence found at these locations, including a green sedan, and the potential connection to Aasha's disappearance. The episode reveals the connection between the Deadman family and Aasha's disappearance, based on the discovery of her backpack and the presence of hair belonging to the Deadman's daughter and a deceased patient under their care. The episode discusses the Deadman's denial of any wrongdoing and the ongoing investigation.
Outlines
The Disappearance of Aasha Degree
This episode explores the mysterious disappearance of nine-year-old Aasha Degree, who vanished from her home in the middle of the night. The episode examines the initial investigation, the involvement of law enforcement, and the search for clues.
The Family's Perspective and Eyewitness Accounts
This episode features interviews with Aasha's family, who describe the events leading up to her disappearance and their cooperation with law enforcement. The episode also presents eyewitness accounts from individuals who claim to have seen Aasha walking along Highway 18 the morning after her disappearance.
The FBI Investigation and Potential Motives
This episode discusses the FBI's involvement in the case, including the execution of search warrants and the discovery of evidence linking Aasha's disappearance to a specific location. The episode explores the potential motives behind Aasha's disappearance and the challenges faced by investigators.
The Shed, the Backpack, and the Green Sedan
This episode reveals the discovery of candy wrappers, a pencil marker, and a Mickey Mouse hair bow belonging to Aasha in a shed behind a local upholstery shop. The episode also examines Aasha's passion for basketball and the possibility that her disappearance may be connected to her athletic aspirations. The episode reveals the discovery of Aasha's backpack at a construction site over a year after her disappearance. The location of the backpack and its contents are discussed, and the episode explores the potential implications of this finding. The podcast focuses on the investigation into a green sedan that may have been involved in Aasha's disappearance. The episode discusses the FBI's efforts to identify the vehicle and its potential connection to the case.
The Deadman's Connection and the Ongoing Investigation
This episode details the execution of search warrants at multiple locations, including the homes of Roy and Connie Deadman. The episode explores the evidence found at these locations, including a green sedan, and the potential connection to Aasha's disappearance. The episode reveals the connection between the Deadman family and Aasha's disappearance, based on the discovery of her backpack and the presence of hair belonging to the Deadman's daughter and a deceased patient under their care. The episode discusses the Deadman's denial of any wrongdoing and the ongoing investigation.
Keywords
Aasha Degree
A nine-year-old girl who disappeared from her home in Shelby, North Carolina, in the early hours of Valentine's Day 2000. Her case remains unsolved, and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance are shrouded in mystery.
Cold Case
A criminal investigation that has not been solved and is no longer actively pursued by law enforcement. Cold cases are often revisited when new evidence emerges or advancements in technology allow for further analysis.
Missing Person
An individual whose whereabouts are unknown and who is the subject of a search and investigation. Missing person cases can range from short-term disappearances to long-term cases that remain unsolved for years.
Eyewitness Testimony
A statement provided by an individual who claims to have witnessed a crime or other event. Eyewitness testimony can be a valuable source of information in criminal investigations, but it is also subject to errors and biases.
Search Warrant
A legal document issued by a judge that authorizes law enforcement officers to search a specific location for evidence related to a crime. Search warrants are typically obtained based on probable cause, which means that there is a reasonable belief that evidence of a crime will be found at the location.
DNA Evidence
Biological material, such as hair, blood, or saliva, that can be used to identify individuals or link them to a crime scene. DNA evidence is considered highly reliable and has revolutionized criminal investigations.
Suspect
An individual who is suspected of committing a crime. Suspects are not necessarily guilty, but they are the focus of an investigation.
Unsolved Mystery
A crime or event that has not been solved and remains a subject of speculation and investigation. Unsolved mysteries often capture the public's imagination and can inspire ongoing efforts to find answers.
Q&A
What are the key details surrounding Aasha Degree's disappearance?
Aasha Degree, a nine-year-old girl, vanished from her home in Shelby, North Carolina, in the early hours of Valentine's Day 2000. She was last seen by her brother sleeping in her bed, but was gone by morning. The case has remained unsolved, and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance are still a mystery.
What evidence has been discovered in the case?
Aasha's backpack was found over a year after her disappearance at a construction site 30 miles away from her home. The backpack contained a Dr. Seuss book from her school library and a t-shirt that did not belong to her. Additionally, hair belonging to the Deadman's daughter and a deceased patient under their care was found on the backpack.
Who are the suspects in the case?
Roy and Connie Deadman, who owned a nursing home facility and frequently traveled along Highway 18, where Aasha was last seen walking, are now officially listed as suspects in the case. They have denied any wrongdoing.
What is the significance of the green sedan?
Investigators believe a green sedan may have been involved in Aasha's disappearance. A green sedan matching the description was towed from the Deadman's home during a search warrant execution.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are continuing to search for answers in Aasha's disappearance. The Deadman family is denying any involvement, and the case remains unsolved.
Show Notes
Nine-year-old Asha Degree and her brother were sent to bed around 7 p.m., an hour earlier than usual, after the family home lost power.
Their father, Harold, checked on them when he returned from work at midnight. When their mother, Iquilla, went to wake the children, Asha was gone. Iquilla and Harold searched their home frantically for her. Iquilla then knocked on a neighbor’s door and called Harold’s mother and sister. No one had seen Asha.
Harold called 911 at 6:30 a.m. Police arrived 10 minutes later. By 8 a.m., nearly 100 volunteers were searching door-to-door and conducting grid searches. Authorities believe the 4th grader left home just before dawn. Witnesses saw Asha walking along Highway 18 in Shelby, North Carolina, a few miles from her home. A tipster reported that she may have gotten into a car.
More than a year later, Asha's backpack, which she had packed with her favorite outfits, was found at a construction site 30 miles away. That was 24 years ago. The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office has now confirmed that a recent search at 621 Cherryville Road is connected to Asha Degree.
Nearly 50 investigators from the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office, the FBI's Evidence Response Team, and North Carolina SBI agents spent two days at the site with K9s. Several items of interest were seized for testing, including a green four-door sedan with rusted wheel wells, similar to the car the FBI had been seeking.
Joining Nancy Grace today:
- Kathleen Murphy - Raleigh, North Carolina, Attorney at
- Mark Davis - Former Sergeant Supervisor in Patrol Division with Cleveland Co. Sheriff Office
- Caryn L. Stark – Psychologist, Renowned TV and Radio Trauma Expert and Consultant; Instagram: carynpsych/FB: Caryn Stark Private Practice
- Rick Shaffer - Retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent
- Donnie Peeler and Dale Champion - Hosts of "Crack House Chronicles" True Crime Podcast
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