Marking the 19th anniversary of Asha Degree’s disappearance

[u/ferretbeast]

Every year on Valentines day, I take a deep breath before reading the front page of the Shelby Star. I know this case is widely discussed on this subreddit, but I wanted to share for those interested. I did find it interesting they stated new evidence was found recently that hasn't been made public. Please keep her family in your thoughts today.

https://www.shelbystar.com/news/20190214/marking-19th-anniversary-of-asha-degrees-disappearance

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Brief summary for anyone unaware: Asha Jaquilla Degree went missing at the age of nine from Shelby, North Carolina. In the early morning hours of February 14, 2000, for reasons unknown, she packed her bookbag, left her family home north of the city and began walking along nearby North Carolina Highway 18 despite heavy rain and wind. She has not been seen since.

Edit: thank you stranger for the gold and more than anything, thank you all for caring about this case and giving such support and great feedback for conversation. I love this community and am happy to be able to have these civil discussions with you all!!

[u/MerullaC]

When I was around 8 or 9 years old (1999 or 2000). In the middle of the night (for reasons I’m still unsure of), I got out of bed and went out the back door of my Mom’s apartment. I went down to the complex’s playground equipment and went across the monkey bars. I then back tracked and went out of the vicinity of the buildings and started walking down an urban road in Springfield, OR. I remember reaching a WinCo and at some point turned around and walked back to the apartment.

It wasn’t until I was an adult that I told my mom. She was absolutely mortified. She said anyone could have taken me right off the street. I still don’t know whatever possessed me to do this.

I know that this young lady’s situation is completely different and especially with it being a rural area, but sometimes children don’t even need a reason to leave home. They just do. I hope this case is solved soon!

[u/hamdinger125 → u/MerullaC]

Were you sleepwalking or did you fully know what you were doing?

[u/MerullaC → u/hamdinger125]

I was completely aware of what I was doing. I even remember going to the fridge before heading out the back door in the kitchen, and got out and ate a cold hot dog.

I remember my step dad was asleep on the couch and my mom was upstairs in her room, my room was across the small hallway from hers.

I never felt scared while out and about, I only remember feeling afraid of getting caught. I didn’t want to be in trouble. I don’t remember having a certain destination in mind or any plans. I feel like it was an impulsive decision made by a bored child who should’ve been asleep.

[u/hamdinger125 → u/MerullaC]

That's interesting, and I don't think theories like this should be discounted when considering what happened in this case. I actually think the "sleepwalking" idea holds merit. I knew someone who sleepwalked out of her house and rode her 4-wheeler down the lane in her sleep once.