LAST SEEN ALIVE

UNSOLVED DISAPPEARANCE: ASHA DEGREE

When a young girl vanishes into a dark and stormy night, investigators are baffled by her disappearance. One of the most mysterious unsolved cases in North Carolina history is explored in this episode of Last Seen Alive.

SEPTEMBER 18TH, 2024 UPDATE

On September 10^th and 11^th, 2024, the FBI, North Carolina State Police and Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office worked together to execute search warrants at 621 Cherryville Road and 601 Cherryville Road in Shelby, North Carolina. Both properties are located less than 4 miles (or about 6.5 kilometers) from where 9-year-old Asha Degree was last seen alive on the night of February 14^th, 2000. The properties are owned by Roy and Connie Dedmon, who investigators identified as suspects in a search warrant.

Search warrants have been made public and reveal that investigators believe Asha was “the victim of a homicide, with her body concealed”. Among other revelations, it reveals that investigators located a green 1964 AMC Rambler at 601 Cherryville Road. The Rambler significantly resembles the suspect vehicle that has long been sought in relation to Asha’s case, and has been seized as evidence by investigators. Other items seized during the searches include—but are not limited to—a variety of electronic items. Investigators also executed searches at a home in Charlotte, and an assisted living facility.

The warrants also reveal that DNA evidence is what led law enforcement to investigate the Dedmon family. Specifically, a hair belonging to one of the Dedmon’s children (a minor at the time of Asha’s disappearance) was located on a shirt that had belonged to Asha, and was found in the backpack Asha was carrying on the night of her disappearance. DNA belonging to an associate (now deceased) of the Dedmon family was also located on the same shirt.

So far, no charges have been filed against any member of the Dedmon family, or anyone else, in relation to Asha’s disappearance and presumed death. Investigative progress appears to be being made quickly, and we are awaiting the release of more information from law enforcement before creating an update episode.

Asha Degree was 9-years-old when she disappeared from Shelby, North Carolina on February 14th, 2000. She left her home on foot at night, for unknown reasons. Image source: family photo.

Sources used to research this case:

Clues Sought in Disappearance of 9-Year-Old Who Disappeared 20 Years Ago (FBI)

Missing & Black: What Happened to Asha Degree? (Anslem Samuel Rocque / Jet Magazine)

National Estimates of Missing Children: An Overview (OJJDP)

Girl’s Disappearance Baffles Investigators (Star News, March 15, 2000)

Sleep Walking & Sleep Talking (AASM)

Sleepwalking (Mayo Clinic)

Items Found, But Still No Asha (Andrew Dys / The Star)

If you have any information about the disappearance of Asha Degree, call the FBI at 704- 672-6100 or the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office at 704 484-4822.

UNSOLVED HOMICIDE: LORI ZIMMERMAN

When a Maryland teen is abducted and murdered on her way home from school, the tragedy leaves a lasting impression on her community. Cold case investigators persevere decades later, striving to identify a killer they believe is still in the area in this episode of Last Seen Alive.

Lori Zimmerman was 15 years old at the time of her murder in 1984.

Lori disappeared from downtown Hagerstown, Maryland on her way home from school. Her remains were discovered in a rural area 10 days later.

Jeffrey Eldon Miles Sr has admitted to murdering two Hagerstown area women. The murder of his 17 year old victim bears several similarities to Lori’s murder. It’s unknown whether he was involved in Lori’s death. Photo from the Herald Mail.

Lori’s mother, Sandra, holds a portrait of her only child. Sandra died in 2020, without ever learning who murdered her daughter. The case remains open.

Sources used to research this episode:

Maryland Mysteries: Lorraine Zimmerman (WMAR-2 News)

Looking for Closure in Unsolved Murder of Lorraine ‘Lori’ Zimmerman (Herald Mail)

15-Year-Old’s Slaying a Mystery 27 Years Later (Washington Examiner)

Jeffrey Miles Pleads Guilty to Murder of Hagerstown Woman (Herald Mail)

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA v. JEFFREY ELDON MILES, SR. Appellant (casetext)

Skeletal Remains of 17-year-old Angie Daley Found on Farm in Washington Township (Denise Bonura / The Record Herald)

If you know anything about the murder of Lori Zimmerman, please contact the Maryland State Police Criminal Investigations Bureau at 410-653-4211.

UNSOLVED SUSPICIOUS DEATH: DEBBIE WOLFE

When a North Carolina nurse is found dead after being threatened by a stalker, investigators quickly write her death off as an accident. Questions abound in this episode of Last Seen Alive, such as: how does a body “accidentally” wind up in a barrel underwater?

Debbie Wolfe was 28 years old whenever she was found dead at the bottom of the pond in her backyard. Her death was ruled an accidental drowning despite extensive suspicious circumstances.

Debbie worked as a nurse at a veterans’ hospital, where she was in charge of coordinating hospital volunteers. A volunteer who’d unsuccessfully pursued her romantically left a suspicious voicemail on the day of her disappearance.

Sources used to research this episode:

Debbie Wolfe (Unsolved Mysteries)

The Body in the Barrel: Questions Linger in 1985 Fayetteville Drowning (Michael Futch / The Fayetteville Observer)

Drowning is one of the hardest homicides to prove. These investigators want to change that. (Cara Tabachnick / NBC News)

Investigation of Drowning Deaths: A Practical Review (Erica J. Armstrong MD, Kevin L. Erskine)

Cold Water Immersion Syndrome and Whitewater Recreation Fatalities (David J. Farstad, MD1; Julie A. Dunn, MD2)

Help bring Debbie the justice she deserves!

If you have any information about the death of Debbie Wolfe, please contact the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office at: (910) 323-1500 – OR – contact Fayetteville / Cumberland County Crime Stoppers at (910) 483-TIPS (click to submit a tip online).

UNSOLVED DISAPPEARANCE: CLEASHINDRA HALL

When an Arkansas honors student and class valedictorian disappears just weeks shy of high school graduation, an explanation eludes investigators. Years later, hidden evidence is uncovered inside the walls at her after-school job, giving the case new life in this episode of Last Seen Alive.

A canine handler searches the grounds of the home of Larry Amos (Clea’s part-time employer) with a cadaver dog after new tips revive the investigation of her 1994 disappearance in 2012. Photo from the Arkansas Democrat Gazette.

Cleashindra ‘Clea’ Hall was 18 years old when she went missing 1994. An honors student and class valedictorian, she was an aspiring pediatrician just months away from beginning her college education.

Clea’s family continues to keep her memory alive by celebrating her birthday, nearly three decades after her disappearance.

A newspaper clipping from 1994 details Clea’s unexplained disappearance.

Clea’s mother, Laurell Hall, poses with a missing poster. Laurell has worked tirelessly to keep her daughter’s case in the public eye.

A Pine Bluff, AR community member hugs Laurell Hall, Clea’s mom, as police search the Amos residence in 2012. Photo from the Arkansas Democrat Gazette.

Sources used to research this episode:

Video: Monday Night Mystery: Cleashindra Hall (KARK / Mitch McCoy)

Where is Cleashindra Hall? An Arkansas Mystery (NCMEC / Brenna O’Donnel l )

Transcribed Interviews from Larry Amos Following Cleashindra Hall’s Disappearance (FOX16)

Unsolved: Cleashindra Hall (THV: 11)

Another Mother’s Day Passes as Laurell Hall Searches for Her Daughter Cleashindra (NBC News / Jane Herman)

Warrant Documents: Witness Statements Led to Amos Home Search in Hall Disappearance (Pine Bluff Commercial)

Officer Denies Wrong-Doing in Handling Evidence in Missing Woman’s Case (Pine Bluff Commercial / Ray King via FindCleashindra)

Honors Student Leaves Doctor’s Office, Disappears (CNN / Rupa Mikkilineni)

If you know anything about the disappearance of Cleashindra Hall, please contact the Pine Bluff Police Department at 870-541-5300.

UNSOLVED DISAPPEARANCE: BRIAN SHAFFER

When an Ohio medical student disappears into thin air during a night out, a massive investigation fails to uncover any trace of him. One of the Midwest’s most baffling mysteries is explored in this episode of Last Seen Alive.

Brian Shaffer was 27-years-old when he went missing from Columbus, Ohio on April 1st, 2006. He was a second year medical student at Ohio State University College of Medicine. Image source: family photo.

Sources used to research this episode:

The Missing: Brian Shaffer (ID Channel)

A Guy Walks Into a Bar … And Is Never Seen Again (MEL Magazine / Kirk Pepi)

Unsolved Mystery: 10 Years Later, Brian Still Missing (Dispatch.com / Mike Wagner)

In the Name of the Father (April Johnston / Columbus Monthly)

When Missing Persons Cases Go Cold (Michelle Sullivan / Columbus Monthly)

Into Thin Air (NBC News / Rob Stafford)

Prevalence of Depression, Depressive Symptoms, and Suicidal Ideation Among Medical Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PubMed / Lisa S. Rotenstein et all)

Dateline NBC’s Brian Shaffer Story (Video)

From the Archives: What Happened to Brian Shaffer? (Columbus Dispatch)

If you have any information on the disappearance of Brian Shaffer, contact the Columbus Police at (614) 645-4545 or the Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477. Or, submit an anonymous tip to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers online at their website: stopcrime.org.

UNSOLVED HOMICIDE: ENRIQUE ROMAN-MARTINEZ

When a group of paratroopers hits a North Carolina beach for a laid-back holiday weekend, one of their own goes missing. Tragic evidence washes ashore and ignites one of 2020’s most devastating missing / murdered American soldier investigations in this episode of Last Seen Alive.

Enrique Roman Martinez was 21-years-old when he was murdered on the North Carolina island of South Core Banks in 2020. His murder remains unsolved. Image source: family photo.

Sources used to research this case:

Spc. Enrique Roman-Martinez: Unsolved Homicide (Dept. of the Army Criminal Investigation Division)

Inconsistencies in Account of Paratrooper’s Disappearance and Homicide Trouble His Family (Army Times / Kyle Rempfer)

‘It Was Such a Brutal Crime:’ Autopsy Report Shows 82nd Soldier Was Decapitated (Steve DeVene / The Fayetteville Observer)

Mystery Deepens As 911 Call Released in Case of Fort Bragg Paratrooper Whose Body Was Found in Outer Banks (ABC11 / Jessica De Nova)

‘It Was Such a Brutal Crime:’ Autopsy Report Shows 82nd Soldier Was Decapitated (The Fayetteville Observer/ Steve DeVane)

Family of Decapitated Soldier to Sue Army over Unsolved Homicide (Drew F. Lawrence / military.com)

Fort Bragg Paratroopers’ Homicide Cold Case Marks Five Years (Reuben Jones / Spectrum News 1)

7 Soldiers Who Last Saw Paratrooper Alive Before He Was Found Decapitated are Facing Courts-Martial on Other Charges (CBS News)

All Seven Soldiers Who Last Saw Paratrooper Alive Face Charges (Rachael Riley / The Fayetteville Observer)

Fort Bragg Soldiers Face Court Martial in Comrade’s Death (Fox 7 Austin)

Another Fort Bragg Soldier Who Last Saw Decapitated Paratrooper Alive Sentenced (Rachael Riley / The Fayetteville Observer)

‘Corpse Dismemberment in the Material Collected by the Department of Forensic Science, Cracow, Poland’ (Legal Medicine / Tomasz Konopka, Marcin Strona, Filip Bolechała, Jerzy Kunz)

Global Drug Survey: 2019 (Professor Adam Winstock et al. / Global Drug Survey Core Research Team)

Killer High: Exploring the Phenomenon of LSD-Fueled Murder (Gavin Butler / VICE)

Exclusive: Army Files Charges in Mysterious Fort Bragg Beheading Case (Seth Harp / Rolling Stone)

If you have any information about the murder of Enrique Roman-Martinez, please contact the Army Criminal Investigation Command at 910-396-8777, or CLICK HERE to submit a tip online–you may remain anonymous if you wish.

The US Army is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for credible information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for Enrique’s death and dismemberment.

NOW SOLVED: HOMICIDE OF REBECCA PARK

When a medical student and military reserve officer disappears during a run through a Philadelphia park, foul play is immediately suspected. The discovery of her body incriminates a deadly serial offender who is finally identified and charged in this special, updated episode of Last Seen Alive.

DECEMBER 2023 UPDATE: We originally aired an episode on Rebecca’s unsolved murder in 2020. In December of 2023, Philadelphia police identified Elias Diaz, age 46, as Rebecca’s alleged killer. He was charged with her murder–and an assortment of related charges–on December 20th, 2023 (see charges listed on court document below). Bail was denied. He has also been charged in relation to two other attacks committed in November of 2023. The total number of his victims isn’t known for sure, and Philadelphia Police are seeking any information that could lead to additional charges against Diaz.

You can find our update episode on Rebecca’s case, featuring the latest information available as of 12/20/2023, wherever you listen to podcasts.

Rebecca Park is remembered by her friends, family and co-workers for her sunny attitude, organized nature and boundless energy. She was always moving forward, and excelled in her medical studies. She loved animals, science and medicine, and valued family and friends.

Sources used to research this episode:

Suspect in Pennypack Trail Slashings Charged with 2003 Fairmount Park Rape and Murder (NBC10 Staff / NBC10 Philadelphia )

Man Charged in 20-Year-Old Philadelphia Cold Case Killing and Rape After DNA Link, Officials Say (Celina Tebor and Danny Freeman / CNN)

Elias Diaz charged with 2003 Philadelphia cold case murder of Rebecca Park (Alexandra Simon, Aliza Shuler and Joe Holden / CBS News Philadelphia)

Runner’s Life Was Rife with Promise, Rebecca Park’s Friends and Family Recall Her Strength, Energy (Natalie Pompilio / Philadelphia Enquirer)

Body Identified as Missing Student in Philadelphia (Los Angeles Times)

Literally the Calvary: Meet the Philadelphia Police Department’s Mounted Cops (Billy Penn)

Running While Female (Runner’s World / Michelle Hamilton)

FBI, Police Continue Search for Fairmount Park Rapist 16 Years Later (NBC Philadelphia)

DNA Tool May Help in Fairmount Park Rapist Cold Case (ABC6)

Search Continues for Fairmount Park Rapist (Northeast Times / William Kenny)

If you have any information that could lead to additional charges against Diaz, please call 215-686-8477 to report what you know to Philadelphia Police.

UNSOLVED HOMICIDE: DAVID COX

When a young Marine Corps veteran has an unwelcome spotlight cast upon his life by Hollywood, murder soon follows. An execution-style killing in the Massachusetts woods cuts a young life short and baffles investigators in this episode of Last Seen Alive.

David Cox enlisted in the United States Marines Corps at age 18 and served for several years at bases all over the world. Image source: family photo.

Sources used to research this episode:

Guantanamo Gazette Vol. 45–No. 166 (US NAVY)

Ex-Marine Who Felt ‘A Few Good Men’ Maligned Him is Mysteriously Murdered (Baltimore Sun / Bill Glauber)

Cold Case: Who Killed David Cox, Marine Who Inspired ‘A Few Good Men’? (Atlanta Journal Constitution / Boston 25 News)

Unsolved Mysteries: David Cox (Unsolved Mysteries)

New England’s Unsolved: Who Killed US Marine David Cox? (Bob Ward / Boston 25 News)

‘It Was Definitely an Execution-Style Shooting’: The Unsolved Murder of a Marine Whose Story Inspired ‘A Few Good Men’ (Emily Sweeney / The Boston Globe)

If you know anything about the murder of David Cox, please contact the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office at: 617-593-8840.

UNSOLVED HOMICIDE: NANETTE KRENTEL

When a Louisiana woman’s worst fears come true, investigators are left to sift through the ashes of the home she shared with her fire chief husband. Arson and betrayal complicate the search for truth in this episode of Last Seen Alive.

Nanette’s husband, Steve, was the local fire chief, and one of the first firefighters on scene. This still frame is taken from his in-vehicle camera footage, which was recording when he arrived at his burning home. Image source: fire department footage.

Sources used to research / write this episode:

St. Tammany Fire District Chief’s Wife Believed to be Victim in Fatal Lacombe House Fire (Sara Pagones / The Advocate)

Who Killed Nanette Krentel? What We Know About What Happened and When (WWLTV / Katie Moore)

(VIDEO) Mystery in Ashes: the Nanette Krentel Story–Who Killed Nanette Krentel? (WWLTV)

(VIDEO) Mystery in Ashes: The Nanette Krentel Story–“He threatened to burn down the house.” (WWLTV)

Sheriff Releases New Details on Nanette Krentel Homicide Probe (FOX8 / Kelly Weston)

Nanette Krentel Case: Sheriff Gives New Details, Whereabouts of Key Figures During Shooting, Fire (NOLA.COM / Sara Pagones)

Why Fire Chief Wife’s Death in Her Burned-Down House Is the ‘Perfect Story for Social Media Trolls’ (Christine Pelisek / people.com)

Fire Chief Who Cheated on Wife Is Still in Complete Shock After Her 2017 Unsolved Murder (Christine Pelisek / people.com)

Emails Show She Feared Her House Could be Set on Fire Before She Was Found Dead in the Ashes (WWLTV / Katie Moore)

Nanette Krentel’s Slaying Leaves Family with Questions, Doubts About the Investigation (NOLA.COM)

Nanette Krentel Case Remains Unsolved 7 Years Later (Sula Kim / WDSU News)

North Shore Homicide Detectives Examine Fire Dept. Probe of Former Chief Stephen Krentel (Robert Rhoden / nola.com)

Inside the Mysterious Murder and Burning of a Small-Town Fire Chief’s Wife (Christine Pelisek / people.com)

Firefighter Comes Forward With Explosive Allegations Against Covington Fire Chief (Fox8 News)

Embattled LA Chief Announces Retirement (Sarah Pagones / Firehouse.com)

Court Rules Against Sheriff Who Had Ex-Deputy Arrested, Strip Searched Over Email Criticism (Richard A. Webster / Louisiana Illuminator)

Arrest of Man Who Criticized St. Tammany Sheriff’s Office Drew FBI Scrutiny, Court Filing Says (WWLTV News)

JERRY ROGERS, JR., Plaintiff v. SHERIFF RANDY SMITH, DANNY CULPEPER, and KEITH CANIZARO (UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT EASTERN DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA)

If you know anything about the death of Nanette Krentel, please contact Crime Stoppers at (504) 822-1111.

UNSOLVED HOMICIDE: DIANA ROBERTSON

When a young family ventures into a remote Washington forest in search of the perfect Christmas tree, a dark mystery unfolds. Parents go missing, a child is found wandering alone in another town and all of Washington state wonders whether a serial predator may be waiting in the woods in this episode of Last Seen Alive.