True Crime Garage: Asha Degree – Part 2 (Episode 827) Summary
In the gripping second installment of Episode 827, titled "Asha Degree /// Part 2," hosts Nic and the Captain delve deeper into the perplexing case of Asha Degree, a nine-year-old girl who vanished from Shelby, North Carolina, on Valentine's Day morning in 2000. As the 25th anniversary of her disappearance approaches, the duo unpacks new developments and scrutinizes emerging evidence that could shed light on this enduring mystery.
Case Overview
Asha Degree's disappearance has remained unsolved for a quarter-century, leaving her family and the community in a state of perpetual uncertainty. Reportedly last seen walking along North Carolina Highway 18, Asha was allegedly pulled into a green 1970s vehicle—a detail that has spurred numerous speculations and investigations over the years.
Recent Developments: Search Warrants and New Evidence
The episode centers on a significant breakthrough unveiled by WBTV, revealing that in September of the previous year, the FBI executed multiple search warrants targeting properties owned by Roy Dedman and his wife, Connie Dedman, in Cleveland County, North Carolina. These properties include medical and rehabilitation facilities for the elderly, raising questions about potential connections to Asha's disappearance.
Nick emphasizes the gravity of these developments:
Nick (05:31): "Very bizarre."
The search warrants meticulously searched properties at 621 Cherryville Road and 601 Cherryville Road, uncovering a variety of items, including genetic material that ties individuals to the case. Notably, DNA from Russell Bradley Underhill, a deceased man with connections to the Dedman family's properties, was found on items at the construction site where evidence related to Asha was initially discovered.
DNA Evidence and Family Connections
A pivotal point in the discussion is the identification of Asha's DNA on her own clothing intertwined with DNA from members of the Dedman family and Russell Underhill. This discovery has propelled law enforcement to consider the Dedman daughters—Anna Lee Ramirez, Lizzy Dedman Foster, and Sarah Deadman Capel—as persons of interest in the investigation.
Nick (18:07): "Lizzie, the oldest, was 16. Sarah, the middle child, was 15, and Anna Lee, the youngest, was 13."
The hosts dissect the implications of Asha's DNA being found on her own items, coupled with the presence of deductive evidence linking the Dedman family and Underhill. The ethical and investigative complexities surrounding these findings are explored, highlighting the delicate balance between suspicion and the presumption of innocence.
Text Messages and Internal Family Dynamics
A particularly intriguing segment involves the analysis of text messages exchanged between the Dedman sisters and one of their husbands. These messages, timestamped around the period when the search warrants were executed, suggest a tense and possibly strained relationship with law enforcement.
Captain (33:05): "Sometimes when we're covering these cases, I have to remind myself our job is not to always give answers or give our opinion of what we think is happening."
The conversation hints at internal family pressures and the potential influence of their attorney, David Teddy, in guiding the family's interactions with authorities. The text exchanges reveal emotional distress and an undercurrent of fear, raising questions about the family's involvement or knowledge regarding Asha's disappearance.
Vehicle Evidence and Speculations
The discovery of a green AMC Rambler, described similarly to the car Asha was last seen being pulled into, adds another layer of intrigue. The vehicle's front-end damage and potential rust around the wheel wells are scrutinized as possible evidence of foul play or an accident leading to Asha's disappearance.
Nick (60:30): "What if she was… in an accident that led to a death, why keep it around? Why not try to destroy it?"
The hosts debate whether the vehicle's condition points to a deliberate attempt to hide evidence or if it could be attributed to the car's age and neglect. This segment underscores the uncertainty that still shrouds the case.
The Dedman Family's Alleged Involvement
The narrative delves into the complexities of the Dedman family's potential involvement, directly and indirectly, in Asha's disappearance. While Roy and Connie Dedman have denied any wrongdoing, the intertwining of their properties, the presence of Russell Underhill's DNA, and the daughters' current legal statuses cast a shadow of doubt.
Nick (40:24): "What do we always say? You get your suspect or people that know the suspects and may have intimate knowledge of the crime or who's responsible, and crank that heat up to 11, baby, and see what happens."
This strategy of intensifying investigative pressure aims to elicit confessions or uncover hidden truths, but it also raises ethical questions about the methods employed and the impact on the family involved.
Concluding Thoughts and Call for Information
As the episode draws to a close, Nic and the Captain reflect on the emotional toll the case has taken on the Dedman family over the past 25 years. Despite the tantalizing leads, the mystery remains unresolved, leaving listeners with a profound sense of frustration and longing for answers.
Nick (68:12): "We can't give the Degree family the answer that they want. The answer that they want is their daughter back. They want to see their daughter again."
The hosts earnestly urge anyone with pertinent information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of public assistance in potentially cracking the case.
Recommended Viewing
To complement the deep dive into Asha Degree's case, Nic and the Captain recommend the documentary "Into the Fire, the Lost Daughter" available on Netflix. This film explores a mother's relentless search for her lost daughter, paralleling the emotional journey faced by Asha's family.
Join the Conversation
For those seeking to contribute to the investigation or learn more about Asha Degree's case, contact the tip line at 704-672-6100 or visit the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST or missingkids.org.
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this summary are solely those of the podcast hosts and do not necessarily reflect the official stance of True Crime Garage.