FBI Charlotte
Public Affairs Specialist Shelley Lynch
charlottemedia@fbi.gov
May 25, 2016

FBI Seeking Tips on Vehicle Possibly Connected to Asha Degree Disappearance

In conjunction with National Missing Children’s Day, the Charlotte Division of the FBI and the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office are seeking new tips in connection with the disappearance of 9-year-old Asha Degree on February 14, 2000. The FBI and the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office have received information that someone matching Asha’s description may have been seen getting into a distinctive vehicle along North Carolina Highway 18 where she was last seen. The vehicle is described as an early 1970’s Lincoln Mark IV or possibly a Ford Thunderbird, dark green, with rust around the wheel wells. A photo of what the car may look like is below:

In conjunction with National Missing Childrens Office are seeking new tips in connection with the disappearance of 9-year-old Asha Degree on February 14, 2000. 1973 Ford Thunderbird

1973 Lincoln Mark IV

1973 Ford Thunderbird

The FBI is continuing to offer a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Asha’s disappearance.

Age-Progressed Asha Degree Photos

On February 14, 2000, 9-year-old Asha Degree left her home in Shelby, North Carolina, in the middle of the night and disappeared. Asha’s family last saw her asleep in her bedroom around 2:30 a.m. An hour-and-a-half later, she was seen by drivers walking along North Carolina Highway 18 in Shelby, North Carolina. Her parents reported her missing by 6:30 a.m. More than a year later, Asha’s bookbag was discovered buried along North Carolina Highway 18 in Burke County.

Anyone with information regarding this case should call FBI Charlotte at 704-672-6100.

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25 as National Missing Children’s Day. Missing Children’s Day is dedicated to encouraging parents, guardians, caregivers, and others concerned with the well-being of children to make child safety a priority. It serves as a reminder to continue our efforts to reunite missing children with their families and an occasion to honor those dedicated to this noble cause.