Summary of "VANISHED: Asha Degree" Episode of Up and Vanished Weekly

Podcast Information:

• Title: Up and Vanished Weekly
• Hosts: Payne Lindsey and Maggie Freeling
• Episode: VANISHED: Asha Degree
• Release Date: May 28, 2025

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Up and Vanished Weekly, hosts Payne Lindsey and Maggie Freeling delve into the mysterious disappearance of Asha Degree, a nine-year-old girl who vanished on Valentine's Day, 2000, from rural Shelby, North Carolina. Despite decades of investigation, Asha's case remains unsolved, leaving her family and community yearning for answers. This episode explores recent developments that offer new hope in unraveling this perplexing case.

The Disappearance

On the night of February 14, 2000, Asha Degree walked out of her home around 2:30 AM under unusual circumstances. Unlike typical missing child cases, Asha left during the cold, rainy night without appropriate clothing for the season and without signs of forced entry or struggle.

[03:15] Maggie Freeling: "What is it about this case that you and I just both can't stop thinking about it?"

[03:20] Daisy Egan: "This happened in the middle of the night. And the fact that she was snatched and nobody knows how or why on its own is very strange."

Witnesses, including trucker Jeff Roope, reported seeing a young girl matching Asha's description walking along Highway 18 before she veered into the nearby woods. These sightings became crucial leads in the initial investigation.

Initial Investigation and Findings

Authorities launched extensive searches shortly after Asha's disappearance, utilizing both ground and aerial efforts. They recovered personal items such as a pencil, a green marker, and Asha's Mickey Mouse hair bow from a tool shed near the highway—items that were found by a local resident two days after her disappearance.

[11:17] Daisy Egan: "They found her things in a tool shed. They found a pencil, a green marker, and her Mickey Mouse hair bow."

Despite these findings, the case quickly grew cold as no significant leads emerged. Theories ranged from Asha running away due to academic pressures to more sinister explanations, but none could be substantiated.

Ongoing Efforts and Renewed Interest

Over the years, Asha's case garnered national attention, leading to the FBI reopening the investigation in 2006. The community remained steadfast in their search efforts, raising a $25,000 reward for information. However, it wasn't until recent advancements in technology and new investigative leads that hope resurged.

[24:08] Rob: "The emergence of the text exchanges, in addition to a possible DNA match and a possible link to the vehicle of interest, raises a number of questions."

Breakthrough in 2024: The Dedman Family Connection

In September 2024, a significant breakthrough occurred when authorities executed search warrants related to the Dedman family—a trio of sisters whose vehicle matched descriptions from earlier eyewitness accounts. DNA analysis linked Russell Underhill and Annalee Dedman to items found in Asha's backpack, suggesting a possible connection.

Text Message Evidence

A series of text messages between the Dedman sisters revealed potential confessions and fears about their involvement in Asha's disappearance:

• [24:52] Sarah Dedman Capel to Lizzie Dedman Foster: "They think it's our shirt. It's not her shirt. Her mom said it wasn't hers. I'm scared, though. Dad is probably going to be a huge suspect."

• [25:18] Annalee Dedman Ramirez to Lizzie Dedman Foster: "Lizzie, you don't need to be talking to anyone. I'm at the lawyer's office."

• [25:40] Lizzie Dedman Foster to Ex-Husband: "This is going to get nothing but worse. I'm so worried."

These messages indicate internal family turmoil and possible awareness of their involvement, heightening suspicions around the Dedman family.

[33:09] Daisy Egan: "Annalee Dedman kind of chimes in and says, 'Lizzie, you don't need to be talking to anyone. I'm at the lawyer's office.'"

DNA and Vehicle Evidence

Further complicating the case, DNA from Russell Underhill was found on Asha's belongings, linking him to the circumstances of her disappearance. Additionally, the Dedman family's vehicle was identified as a potential key piece of evidence due to its resemblance to descriptions from the initial sightings.

[36:20] Daisy Egan: "His DNA is there on Asha's stuff. It's unclear if he was involved or just from being in the car."

Recent Searches and Current Status

In early 2025, the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office intensified the investigation, executing additional search warrants and uncovering connections to previously unexplored properties. These efforts aim to piece together the final moments leading to Asha's disappearance.

[45:08] Daisy Egan: "Investigators from Lincoln County, the SBI, and the FBI hit the ground running early and fanned out across several acres of the old North Brooks school property."

Despite these renewed efforts, the case remains shrouded in mystery, with authorities yet to make any formal charges. The Dedman family's attorney has denied any involvement, asserting that the evidence is circumstantial.

[28:12] Maggie Freeling: "The Dedman's attorney has publicly denied that the family had any involvement in or knowledge of Asha's disappearance."

Impact on the Community and Family

Asha's disappearance has left a lasting impact on her family and the Shelby community. Decades of uncertainty have taken an emotional toll, with the family continuing to hold onto hope for closure.

[37:24] Daisy Egan: "Asha's parents held out hope until now that she was alive. All these years, her mom kept saying, 'I think she's alive. I know she's alive.'"

Community members remain engaged, supporting ongoing search efforts and advocating for justice. The recent developments have rekindled a collective determination to finally uncover the truth behind Asha's vanishing.

Conclusion

The case of Asha Degree exemplifies the enduring pain and relentless pursuit of justice inherent in unsolved disappearances. While recent breakthroughs involving the Dedman family bring new avenues for investigation, many questions remain unanswered. As Up and Vanished Weekly continues to shed light on this and other cold cases, listeners are reminded of the profound impact these mysteries have on the individuals and communities involved.

[43:46] Daisy Egan: "These girls have no connection to Asha, as far as we know. Right?"

[44:09] Maggie Freeling: "As someone who has followed this case for years, I'm thrilled Asha's family may be on the way to finally getting some answers about what happened to her."

Listeners are left hopeful that continued investigative efforts and community support will eventually lead to the resolution of Asha Degree's disappearance.