On this episode of Black Girl Gone, I tell the story of Isha De Grey, a nine-year-old girl from Shelby,

North Carolina, who disappeared on February 14, 2000.

Her disappearance sparked a widespread investigation that captivated the entire community

where she lived. but the case remains unsolved to this day,

leaving many questions unanswered. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance and the subsequent efforts to find her have left both her family and investigators baffled.

Over 23 years later, the people who loved Asia are still looking for those answers.

What happened to Asia?

And who is responsible for her disappearance.

This is Asia's story.

Telling the stories of the missing and murdered will always be difficult, but when it involves a child, it's a little bit more difficult.

This week, we delve into a puzzling case of Asia Degre, a young black girl whose vanishing remains a mystery to this day.

As we explore the details of this heartbreaking story, my goal, as always, is to help bring attention to these stories, even ones that have gotten a lot of attention. Asia's disappearance is one that demands our attention as we continue to strive for answers and resolution for her family.

Aisha Degree was a bright and cheerful girl who lived with her parents,

Harold in Equilla Degree and her older brother.

Born on August 5th 1990, Aisha had a love for basketball and excelled in school.

She was known for her quiet and shy nature and she was adored by her family and friends.

In the year 2000, Asia was a fourth grade student at Falston Elementary.

At Falston, she played basketball for the school and was just an all-around good student. She was often selected as student of the week.

Her favorite subjects were math and science, and when she got older, she dreamed of attending

Winston-Salem University, where she wanted to study science.

Now, not many nine-year-olds know what college they want to go to, but Aisha had big plans.

She wanted to be a writer and an illustrator.

...