One of US's most notable missing persons cold cases gets major update 24 years after 9-year-old girl vanished
Police believe they've made progress with a case involving a missing child dating back over two decades.
In February 2000, nine-year-old Asha Degree went missing in Shelby, North Carolina, and her disappearance had remained a mystery ever since.
But Cleveland County Sheriff's Office haven't given up on the cold case and have recently given a long-awaited update.
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Law enforcement now believe that Asha was murdered and that her body was concealed by the culprits.
With this theory in mind, police recently issued search warrants on several properties.
According to documents, properties in Shelby and Charlotte have been searched, as well as an assisted living facility in Vale.
All properties are linked to the Dedmon family, NewsNation reports, but a lawyer for the family has denied that they have any connection to Asha's case.
Search warrants were requested after DNA samples linked Asha with a woman named AnnaLee Dedmon Ramirez and a man named Russell Underhill (who died in 2004).
Apparently their DNA was found using new technology on a backpack believed to have been Asha's. AnnaLee was just 13 years old at the time the young girl went missing.
AnnaLee has two older sisters who were aged 15 and 16 in 2000. The trio were not much older than Asha when she went missing.
With their ages in mind, police think that if the sisters were involved in her disappearance or suspected murder, they will have needed 'adult assistance' - likely to have been from their parents Roy and Connie Dedman.
Police said the couple 'would have been necessary in the execution and/or concealment of the crime'.
During the search at one of the properties, police seized a green vehicle that seemingly matched the description of a car wanted in connection to Asha's disappearance.
Cleveland County Sheriff Alan Norman has spoken out on the matter following their recent progress.
He said on Monday (September 16), as per WBTV: "I know our community is anxious to learn about every aspect of our ongoing investigation. While we appreciate your support, I urge you to put yourself in the place of Asha’s family who for 24 years have entrusted law enforcement to do everything possible to find her.
"Please do not spread or share rumors on social media. Official information will be released by my office when appropriate. Pray for Asha, her family, and everyone who has worked for decades to locate Shelby’s Sweetheart."
UNILAD has approached the police department for further comment.
Niamh Shackleton