Asha Degree Case: Reward Increased to $75,000
SHELBY – May 18, 2024 – Authorities have increased the reward in the Asha Degree case to $75,000, as the search for answers continues after more than two decades. In 2000,nine-year-old Asha Degree vanished from her home in Cleveland county,prompting a widespread inquiry. The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, along with federal partners and State bureau of Investigation, remains committed to finding Asha, and resolving the case. For more information, contact authorities today.
Asha Degree Case: Reward Increased to $75,000 as Search for Answers Continues
Shelby, N.C. – More than two decades after 9-year-old Asha Degree vanished from her Cleveland County home on Valentine’s Day in 2000, the search for answers intensifies. Authorities have announced a significant increase in the reward for information leading to a resolution in the case.
The Disappearance and Ongoing inquiry
Asha Degree’s disappearance sparked a widespread investigation that has seen numerous developments over the years. Despite these efforts, the mystery surrounding her whereabouts remains unsolved. The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, along with federal and state partners, remains committed to finding Asha and bringing closure to her family and the community.
Did You Know?
Asha Degree’s case has garnered national attention, highlighting the importance of continued efforts in missing children investigations.
Increased Reward and Renewed Hope
In a recent announcement, the combined reward for information related to Asha’s disappearance has been raised to $75,000. This increase is a collaborative effort:
- The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has increased its reward to $50,000.
- The Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office and the community continue to offer $20,000.
- The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) has added an additional $5,000.
Lieutenant Jordan Bowen emphasized the community’s unwavering commitment: It’s everybody’s goal in the community to find out what happened to Asha degree and bring her home.
He added, With the tight-knit community; we all want the same resolution.We all want answers. We want to bring her home. Still, even today, especially 25 years later with the momentum, tons and tons of work, tons of resources, money, just thoughts, ideas, new technologies are going into play, and it’s a good thing. Hopefully it brings us closure here soon.
Recent Developments and Continued Efforts
On April 4, 2025, the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office announced a partnership with multiple agencies to search a property in Lincoln County in connection with Degree’s disappearance. Chief Deputy Durwin Briscoe stated,we’ve been working this case for 25 years,constant work. But just recently, I’m sure everyone has seen about some of the things that happened around September. Based on that, the information that we got, we continue to work with the FBI, State Bureau of Investigation.
Briscoe referenced the department’s September 18, 2024, announcement that Asha was a “victim of homicide” and her body was “concealed,”
according to search warrants. investigators linked a hair sample found in Degree’s backpack in 2001 to a home on Cherryville Road.
Detective Tim Adams stressed the ongoing nature of the investigation: It’s never been a cold case.We’ve always worked it as if it happened yesterday. The technology that was available in 2000 was not what it is today.So in 2001, her bookbag was found along Highway 18 in Morganton, resources are brought in, that evidence was tested.
Call to Action
authorities urge anyone with information, who has not yet spoken to investigators, to come forward. Contact the cleveland County Sheriff’s Office at 704-484-4822, the FBI at 1-800-CALL FBI, or visit tips.fbi.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pro Tip
Even seemingly insignificant details can be crucial in solving a case. If you have any information, no matter how small, please contact the authorities.
