Tue Feb 25 08:50:00 UTC 2025: **New Evidence Surfaces in Asha Degree Cold Case 25 Years After Disappearance**

Shelby, NC – Twenty-five years after the disappearance of nine-year-old Asha Degree, new details have emerged in the long-unsolved case. Search warrants released Tuesday reveal a witness account alleging a confession by one of the Dedmon sisters, along with incriminating text messages between family members.

Asha vanished on February 14, 2000, after leaving her home in the early morning hours. An eyewitness reported seeing her being pulled into a green car, similar to a Thunderbird. This description led investigators last September to seize a green AMC Rambler from the property of Roy Dedmon, whose family has been under intense scrutiny since an FBI search of their property last fall.

The warrants detail a statement from Thad Mellentine, who claims to have witnessed Lizzie Dedmon, the eldest daughter, confess to killing Asha at a party in the mid-2000s. Mellentine reported that Lizzie sobbed and admitted, “I killed Asha Degree,” a statement corroborated by a passed polygraph test. His account alleges that Sarah Dedmon, Lizzie’s sister, angrily silenced her.

Further investigation revealed concerning text messages. Following a phone call from AnnaLee Dedmon Ramirez (the youngest sister), a flurry of anxious messages exchanged between Lizzie, Sarah, and Lizzie’s ex-husband, Kelly Foster, expressed fear and worry about the ongoing investigation. Lizzie’s messages indicated concern that she was a suspect. Sarah’s messages also express fear and concern for her family. Lizzie later refused a polygraph test, then, after an emotional meeting with authorities, agreed and failed, reportedly being deceptive. In her statement, she denied involvement but suggested her father may be responsible.

The investigation also revealed that a sample of evidence from a crime scene 21 miles from where Asha was last seen, collected in 2001, revealed DNA matching one of the Dedmon daughters, AnnaLee. The car owned by Roy Dedmon, and given to his daughter Sarah, matched the description of the vehicle seen near where Asha was last seen.

While several members of the Dedmon family have been interviewed, no arrests have been made. Authorities have not commented on whether further warrants are expected. The investigation continues.

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