The person at the center of this case
Asha Jaquilla Degree
Missing Person · Open
26 years waiting · since 2000
ASHA JAQUILLA DEGREE
Justice for Asha Jaquilla Degree — the trail went cold in 2000, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
👁️
witness
Lead #1Who were the drivers who saw Asha walking on Highway 18 at 4:00 am, and what exactly did they observe about her condition and direction of travel?
🔍
evidence
Lead #2What evidence was found with or near the buried book bag, and how does its location in Burke County relate to the Highway 18 sighting in Shelby?
💡
clue
Lead #3Why would a 9-year-old leave her home at approximately 2:30-4:00 am on a winter night, and was she alone or with someone?
Asha Jaquilla Degree, a 9-year-old girl, disappeared from her home in Shelby, North Carolina on February 14, 2000, after being spotted walking along Highway 18 at 4:00 am. Her book bag was discovered buried along the same highway more than a year later, suggesting foul play. The case remains unsolved with a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Case
#265
FBI Charlotte, Cleveland County Sheriff's Office, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
🎯
suspect
Lead #4Has anyone been identified with knowledge of or involvement in Asha's disappearance, or are there any persons of interest from the Highway 18 area?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
February 14, 2000 Shelby, North Carolina Asha Jaquilla Degree has been missing from her home in Shelby, North Carolina, since February 14, 2000. Family members last saw her asleep in her bedroom at approximately 2:30 am.
At 4:00 am, she was seen by drivers walking along North Carolina Highway 18 in Shelby, North Carolina. She was reported missing by her parents by 6:30 am.
More than a year later, Asha's book bag was discovered buried along North Carolina 18 in Burke County. FBI Charlotte is investigating in partnership with the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation.
Timeline of Events
👁️
2000-02-14
02:30Last seen asleep in bedroom
Family members last saw Asha asleep in her bedroom at approximately 2:30 am
👥
2000-02-14
04:00Spotted walking on Highway 18
Asha was seen by drivers walking along North Carolina Highway 18 in Shelby, North Carolina
👤
2000-02-14
06:30Reported missing
Asha was reported missing by her parents by 6:30 am
📋
2001-02-14
Book bag discovered
More than a year later, Asha's book bag was discovered buried along North Carolina Highway 18 in Burke County
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:February 14, 2000 at 2:30 AM
Last Updated:July 22, 2026
Up to $50,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case
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Case Information
Incident:February 14, 2000 at 2:30 AM
Last Updated:July 22, 2026
Up to $50,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case