Asha degree update

Asha has never been heard from again. Two truck drivers reported seeing her walking south on Highway 18 north of Shelby between and a.

Asha was apparently near the intersection of Highway at the time, about a mile from her home. She left the highway at this point and walked off into the darkness. It was the last confirmed sighting of the child. Asha may have been sighted getting into a distinctive dark green early s model car on the night she was last seen. The vehicle, which had rust around the wheel wells, is thought to have been either a Lincoln Mark IV or a Ford Thunderbird.

Photos of similar cars are posted with this case summary. Investigators believe Asha left her residence of her own accord. She is described as being quiet, shy person and a good student with a happy home life, and her reasons for leaving aren't clear.

Asha's basketball team lost a game, their first loss in the season, the day before her disappearance. Her family said she was upset over the loss, but she calmed down within a few hours.

The book centers around the story of a prince and a commoner child who receives lashes on the royal's behalf. The children proceed to run away and the book details their adventures.

Both boys return safely to the kingdom at the story's end. It is not known if the book served as a catalyst for Asha's disappearance. Asha's black book bag and black Tweety Bird purse were missing from her room after her disappearance, along with a pair of blue jeans with a red stripe, black sneakers, a long-sleeved white shirt with purple lettering, a red vest with black trim, black overalls with Tweety Bird on them, and a long-sleeved black and white shirt.

All the doors to the house were found locked; Asha kept her house key in the bookbag. Asha's pencil, marker and Mickey Mouse hair bow were discovered on the ground in the doorway of a tool shed at Turner's Upholstery on Highway 18 on February 17, , three days after her disappearance. Her belongings were found near the stretch of road where Asha was seen walking in the early morning hours of February A search of the area failed to produce additional evidence.

The items were discovered more than one mile from Asha's residence. Marcus Mellon wrote to the news outlet to say that the child was killed, and he knows how and where to find her. Asha Degree has been missing for over 20 years. About four months ago I had found out her whereabouts and what had happen to her. She was killed and then took and buried. I do know how and what town she is in. I hope you get this letter and do come see me.

Cleveland County Sheriff Alan Norman said the tip will be followed up on, but an obstacle will slow the process. Norman said that investigators from his department and the FBI will interview Mellon when the situation at the prison is under control. Though the child vanished more than 20 years ago, tips still get reported.

According to the FBI, 45 came in last year. Whether or not Mellon actually has knowledge of what happened to Asha, Norman said all tips are investigated. The sheriff did note that sometimes inmates have ulterior motives such as bargaining for preferential treatment during incarceration.