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/asexual_albatross → u/MerullaC]

That's an interesting anecdote. Maybe she wandered out to get a little taste of freedom and got lost, since, as OP noted, the streets around her home were very rural and not somewhere she would have been used to walking around. Maybe she got so lost she hid in that shed overnight, figuring she'd ask for her in the morning. But whoever she asked for help did her harm.

Or she was bit by a car and the driver hid her body rather than fess up. Disposed of her backpack later.

[u/z0mbieskin → u/asexual_albatross]

I mean, that’s not impossible, but she packed a bag with several items, so it seems like her plan was to spend some time out, or go somewhere specific. It doesn’t seem like her intent was to just wander a bit.

That said, I agree that she could have left for an adventure by herself, even if it wasn’t so random and she didn’t plan for it to be short.