Above video player discusses new DNA technology, databases’ role in cold case
CLEVELAND COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The search for Asha Degree reaches 25 years this week, and the local FBI office has released interviews from officials leading the continued investigation.
The FBI is working in partnership with the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office and the State Bureau of Investigation as the 25th-anniversary approaches of the 9-year-old who went missing.
In a video, Cleveland County Lt. Jordan Bowen said he was one year older than Asha at the time of the disappearance in 2000.
“That’s Shelby’s sweetheart,” Bowen said. “When I became in charge of the investigation or overseeing the investigation, then it makes it hit home so much more because now you have that vested interest to playing a role in helping bring the closure to the family that they really need. … We all want the same answer, and that’s to find out happened to Ashe Degree, to get some closure for the family, and there’s nothing we’re going to stop at to find that answer.”
If you have information directly related to the investigation, call the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office at 704-484-4822. There is a reward of up to $45,000.
Asha was last seen along Fallston Road (N.C. Hwy 18) on Feb. 14, 2000. Last fall, investigators could be seen this week hauling away a green vehicle that matched a similar description to one authorities have been looking for in connection with the disappearance.
“We will never stop searching for Asha,” the FBI said.
