The following was published by The Shelby Star on (or about) 18 August 2000. It was written by Andrew Dys*,** Star Staff Writer. The copyright is retained by the Shelby Star. It appears here for the purpose of research and education. Your True Crime Library ™ does not own the following article excerpt.*
Thursday, 11 February 2000:
Asha, a fourth-grader at Fallston Elementary School, rides the bus to school, and rides the bus home.
Fallston Principal Steve Borders said that school staff know of no problems or incidents at school that could have triggered Asha to run away. He said Asha is an honors student who loves school, and has missed only one day of school this year, with that coming in September.
Sheriff Dan Crawford said Asha and her 10-year-old brother O'Bryant stayed at home doing homework until their parents, Harold and Iquilla Degree, got home from work. Iquilla works at Kawai America Co. in Lincolnton and Harold works at PPG. Crawford said Harold normally works second shift, but worked first shift Thursday and Friday.
Both her mother and father said that Asha loves school.
"It appears that it was just a normal school day and home day," Crawford said. "The mother and father are excellent parents who expect a lot academically from their children and demand they be at home after school."
Friday, 12 February 2000:
Cleveland County Schools are off for the day. Crawford said Asha and O'Bryant stayed with their aunt, Kisha Degree, down the street during the day.
Both children had peewee basketball practice that afternoon at Fallston Elementary School, then came home afterward.
Her coach, Chad Wilson, said that the practice was normal. "Asha was her usual fun-filled self," Wilson said. "She had a good practice."
Saturday, 12 February 2000:
Both Asha and O'Bryant had basketball games Saturday at Burns Middle School, with the girls' game played first.
Asha's team lost, and Asha was crying afterward. Asha fouled out of the game. Crawford said Asha's the type of kid who might have felt responsible for her team's loss.
Both her mother and Wilson said that she took the loss hard initially, but perked up afterward.
Asha's parents said that Asha cried after the game and it took a while for her to be consoled. Her mother said Asha felt bad and even said her leg hurt. Her mother said she told Asha that she really wasn't hurt and could go ahead and walk, and that Asha soon perked up.
Wilson said he was present the whole time and that Asha didn't have any problems with anyone, and soon admitted her leg really wasn't hurt. He said she then played with the other girls.