Cleveland County Valentine https://clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com Cleveland County Valentine: True Advocate explores the 24 year old disappearance of Asha Degree. Sun, 28 Dec 2025 01:41:39 -0600 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en Copyright 2024 All rights reserved. True Crime 1440 serial trueadvocateinc trueadvocateinc No false https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/19365023/Your_paragraph_textpng_1__um2m3x.png Cleveland County Valentine https://clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com 144 144 Episode 0: Hidden Layers Episode 0: Hidden Layers https://clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/e/episode-0-hidden-layers/ https://clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/e/episode-0-hidden-layers/#comments Mon, 25 Nov 2024 02:04:09 -0600 clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/88df189e-ce06-35d5-a132-a798fa533bfc From its diverse community and rich traditions to the challenges lurking beneath its idyllic surface, this episode unravels the intricate tapestry of a small town on the cusp of an event that would forever change its narrative.

]]> From its diverse community and rich traditions to the challenges lurking beneath its idyllic surface, this episode unravels the intricate tapestry of a small town on the cusp of an event that would forever change its narrative.

]]> trueadvocateinc false No 1417 1 full Episode 1: Leading Up to the Unknown - February 10th Episode 1: Leading Up to the Unknown - February 10th https://clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/e/episode-1-leading-up-to-the-unknown-february-10th/ https://clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/e/episode-1-leading-up-to-the-unknown-february-10th/#comments Mon, 25 Nov 2024 21:04:04 -0600 clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/6a58f669-3a8e-31a2-be1c-208a5f5bf30b In this episode, we take a close look at the events leading up to Asha's disappearance. We explore her final days, including her school life, interactions with her best friend, and a poem she wrote just weeks before she went missing. We’ll also discuss the larger context of Shelby and Cleveland County at the time—marked by economic instability, a growing drug crisis, and the tension simmering beneath the surface of a small-town community on the brink of the unthinkable.

]]> In this episode, we take a close look at the events leading up to Asha's disappearance. We explore her final days, including her school life, interactions with her best friend, and a poem she wrote just weeks before she went missing. We’ll also discuss the larger context of Shelby and Cleveland County at the time—marked by economic instability, a growing drug crisis, and the tension simmering beneath the surface of a small-town community on the brink of the unthinkable.

]]> trueadvocateinc false No 1719 2 full Episode 2: The Last Game Episode 2: The Last Game https://clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/e/episode-2-the-last-game/ https://clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/e/episode-2-the-last-game/#comments Mon, 25 Nov 2024 21:07:45 -0600 clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/9c3dd2aa-8d0e-37f6-9ea6-49a63eb7e39d A cold Saturday in February 2000 unfolds through detailed accounts of Asha Degree’s final basketball game, from her frustration on the court to an evening with cousins.

]]> A cold Saturday in February 2000 unfolds through detailed accounts of Asha Degree’s final basketball game, from her frustration on the court to an evening with cousins.

]]> trueadvocateinc false No 848 3 full Episode 3: The Calm Before Midnight Episode 3: The Calm Before Midnight https://clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/e/episode-3-the-calm-before-midnight/ https://clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/e/episode-3-the-calm-before-midnight/#comments Mon, 25 Nov 2024 21:10:57 -0600 clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/2b1a5578-d200-380d-81c0-f1aaf0a7e6be Pris dives into Sunday, February 13, 2000-a day of family comforts, and a church gathering, as a storm brews and nightfall descends.

]]> Pris dives into Sunday, February 13, 2000-a day of family comforts, and a church gathering, as a storm brews and nightfall descends.

]]> trueadvocateinc false No 997 4 full Episode 4: Memory & Mystery Episode 4: Memory & Mystery https://clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/e/episode-4-memory-mystery/ https://clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/e/episode-4-memory-mystery/#comments Mon, 25 Nov 2024 21:44:50 -0600 clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/5073454c-6e04-3cd4-83ca-8bbd9ee4ac7f Marilyn Ward, executive director of Houston-based National Missing Children's Center, said "The longer a child is missing, the greater the chances are that false rumors will get started. This can torment family members and frustrate law enforcement." Special thanks to Dr. Brian Cutler. Contains interview excerpts from Disturbia.

]]> Marilyn Ward, executive director of Houston-based National Missing Children's Center, said "The longer a child is missing, the greater the chances are that false rumors will get started. This can torment family members and frustrate law enforcement." Special thanks to Dr. Brian Cutler. Contains interview excerpts from Disturbia.

]]> trueadvocateinc false No 3435 5 full Episode 6: Public Image and Private Truth Episode 6: Public Image and Private Truth https://clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/e/episode-6-public-image-and-private-truth/ https://clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/e/episode-6-public-image-and-private-truth/#comments Tue, 14 Jan 2025 20:03:24 -0600 clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/5073dd46-f62b-3c66-8ed6-d70e59dda7c6 Award-winning criminologist, former investigator, and volunteer for cold cases of missing persons, Judith A. Yates, author of How to Recognize the Devil and The Devil You Know, delves into the dynamics between public perceptions and hidden truths in the case of Asha Degree. 

www.JudithAYates.com

]]> Award-winning criminologist, former investigator, and volunteer for cold cases of missing persons, Judith A. Yates, author of How to Recognize the Devil and The Devil You Know, delves into the dynamics between public perceptions and hidden truths in the case of Asha Degree. 

www.JudithAYates.com

]]> trueadvocateinc false No 4485 7 full Episode 7: Conflicting Clues Episode 7: Conflicting Clues https://clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/e/episode-7-conflicting-clues/ https://clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/e/episode-7-conflicting-clues/#comments Fri, 31 Jan 2025 09:18:58 -0600 clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/5d0d41e7-e017-3270-a4eb-838d989bc966 In this episode, we examine the strange discoveries and contradictions that begin to surface. From misplaced belongings to shifting narratives about reward money and theories about her disappearance, the details don’t always add up.

Sources:

The Charlotte Observer

Shelby Star

News Nation

 

]]> In this episode, we examine the strange discoveries and contradictions that begin to surface. From misplaced belongings to shifting narratives about reward money and theories about her disappearance, the details don’t always add up.

Sources:

The Charlotte Observer

Shelby Star

News Nation

 

]]> trueadvocateinc false No 2831 8 full Episode 8: The Runaway, The Bookbag, and The Abduction Episode 8: The Runaway, The Bookbag, and The Abduction https://clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/e/episode-8-the-runaway-the-bookbag-and-the-abduction/ https://clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/e/episode-8-the-runaway-the-bookbag-and-the-abduction/#comments Sun, 16 Feb 2025 14:02:31 -0600 clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/147b4e39-8a0d-362c-9f43-5e4601378a3d 18 months after Asha Degree disappeared, a contractor stumbled upon her bookbag, miles away from where she was last seen. This episode unpacks the details surrounding its discovery, the rumors that followed,and why the response to Asha's case differed so drastically from other missing children in the area. If you have information about Asha's case or would like to be featured as guest, please contact us: trueadvocateinc@gmail.com.

Sources:

Shelby Star

Charlotte Observer

Boston Globe

USA Today

]]> 18 months after Asha Degree disappeared, a contractor stumbled upon her bookbag, miles away from where she was last seen. This episode unpacks the details surrounding its discovery, the rumors that followed,and why the response to Asha's case differed so drastically from other missing children in the area. If you have information about Asha's case or would like to be featured as guest, please contact us: trueadvocateinc@gmail.com.

Sources:

Shelby Star

Charlotte Observer

Boston Globe

USA Today

]]> trueadvocateinc false No 1878 9 full Episode 10: Call to Action: When the Night Takes a Child Episode 10: Call to Action: When the Night Takes a Child https://clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/e/episode-10-call-to-action-when-the-night-takes-a-child/ https://clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/e/episode-10-call-to-action-when-the-night-takes-a-child/#comments Wed, 09 Apr 2025 20:42:26 -0500 clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/2aa71930-5e4f-3a33-8131-b771466b665a In Episode 10, we cover the September 2024 developments in Asha Degree’s case and speak with Shari Doherty of Child Find of America about runaway youth and the urgent need for awareness.

     ]]> In Episode 10, we cover the September 2024 developments in Asha Degree’s case and speak with Shari Doherty of Child Find of America about runaway youth and the urgent need for awareness.

     ]]> trueadvocateinc false No 4209 11 full Episode 11: Innocent Transfer Episode 11: Innocent Transfer https://clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/e/episode-11-innocent-transfer/ https://clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/e/episode-11-innocent-transfer/#comments Thu, 01 May 2025 20:26:54 -0500 clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/8262480d-e1fa-38b6-828d-3e5dedaba57f This episode explores how indirect DNA evidence has complicated the Asha Degree case, echoing the wrongful conviction of Mark Carver and revealing why charges in Cleveland County remain elusive. Featuring special guest, former forensic expert Dr. James Caldwell.

 

]]> This episode explores how indirect DNA evidence has complicated the Asha Degree case, echoing the wrongful conviction of Mark Carver and revealing why charges in Cleveland County remain elusive. Featuring special guest, former forensic expert Dr. James Caldwell.

 

]]> trueadvocateinc false No 2088 12 full Episode 12: Someone Everybody Knows Episode 12: Someone Everybody Knows https://clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/e/episode-12-someone-everybody-knows/ https://clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/e/episode-12-someone-everybody-knows/#comments Sun, 18 May 2025 21:15:50 -0500 clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/00260d4a-89c2-38ac-90bf-e3e1a1350afd Featuring Dr. Chandra Cleveland, former sheriff's deputy and founder of SHE Investigations, this episode takes a focused look at the Asha Degree case through her 40+ years of law enforcement experience.

]]> Featuring Dr. Chandra Cleveland, former sheriff's deputy and founder of SHE Investigations, this episode takes a focused look at the Asha Degree case through her 40+ years of law enforcement experience.

]]> trueadvocateinc false No 3915 1 12 full Episode 13: Rural Justice - Power, Politics & Policing Episode 13: Rural Justice - Power, Politics & Policing https://clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/e/episode-13-rural-justice-power-politics-policing/ https://clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/e/episode-13-rural-justice-power-politics-policing/#comments Sun, 28 Dec 2025 01:41:39 -0600 clevelandcountyvalentine.podbean.com/90f98507-af06-39c5-ace9-51754ad1aafd What happens when politics and policing define the story before the facts? Anyone with information about the Asha Degree case is urged to contact the FBI at (704) 672-6100. A $100,000 reward is offered for information.

Sources courtesy of The Charlotte Observer, Shelby Star, and WCNC TV.

]]> What happens when politics and policing define the story before the facts? Anyone with information about the Asha Degree case is urged to contact the FBI at (704) 672-6100. A $100,000 reward is offered for information.

Sources courtesy of The Charlotte Observer, Shelby Star, and WCNC TV.

]]> trueadvocateinc false No 2448 13 full