NC governor increases reward for information in Asha Degree disappearance
Officials are now offering $100,000 for information in the missing persons case of Asha Degree, the 9-year-old who on Valentine’s Day vanished from her Shelby home 25 years ago.
The FBI and Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office already are jointly offering $75,000 for information that would lead to an arrest and conviction.
Gov. Josh Stein is adding an additional $25,000 to the pool, his office said.
In total, this would lead to $100,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in Asha’s case.
Asha Degree went missing on Feb. 14, 2000.
After packing her bag in the middle of the night, she left her home early in the morning in rough weather conditions.
She was last seen by witnesses walking with her bag along Highway 18, miles away from her home.
Asha’s family reported her missing at 6:30 the next morning.
Recently, Cleveland County and the FBI said they have discovered new information relating to the case. They’ve executed search warrants and have continued to ask for tips from the public.
According to officials, Asha’s bag and some of her belongings were found double-bagged and buried near a construction site with various children’s books and clothing in it.
A possible vehicle related to her disappearance was spotted back in September of 2024, and was towed from a Cleveland County property.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office at (704) 484-4788 or the State Bureau of Investigation at (919) 662-4500.
This story was originally published June 27, 2025 at 2:04 PM.
