One of the most remarkable unsolved missing persons cases in the United States is being examined 24 years after the disappearance of a 9-year-old girl

Police believe they have made progress in the case of a missing child that dates back more than two decades.

In February 2000, nine-year-old Asha Degree disappeared in Shelby, North Carolina, and her disappearance has remained a mystery ever since.

But the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office has not given up on the unsolved case and recently released a long-awaited update.

Law enforcement authorities now believe that Asha was murdered and her body was hidden by the perpetrators.

Based on this theory, police recently issued search warrants for several properties.

According to the documents, properties in Shelby and Charlotte as well as an assisted living facility in Vale were searched.

All of the properties are linked to the Dedmon family, NewsNation reports, but a lawyer for the family has denied that they have any connection to Asha's case.

Search warrants were requested after DNA samples linked Asha to a woman named AnnaLee Dedmon Ramirez and a man named Russell Underhill (who died in 2004).

Apparently, using new technology, her DNA was found on a backpack believed to be Asha's. AnnaLee was just 13 years old when the young girl disappeared.

AnnaLee has two older sisters, who were 15 and 16 years old in 2000. The trio were not much older than Asha when she disappeared.

Given their age, police believe that if the sisters were involved in their disappearance or suspected murder, they would have needed “the help of an adult” – likely that of their parents, Roy and Connie Dedman.

Police said the couple were “necessary to carry out and/or cover up the crime.”

During a search of one of the properties, police seized a green vehicle that appeared to match the description of a car wanted in connection with Asha's disappearance.

A green car was confiscated by police (WCNC)

Cleveland County Sheriff Alan Norman has spoken out on the matter following recent progress.

On Monday (September 16), he said, according to WBTV: “I know our community is eager to be informed of every aspect of our ongoing investigation. We appreciate your support, but I urge you to put yourselves in the shoes of Asha's family, who for 24 years have trusted law enforcement to do everything possible to find her.

“Please do not spread or share rumors on social media. Official information will be released by my office when appropriate. Pray for Asha, her family, and all who have worked for decades to find Shelby's loved one.”

UNILAD has contacted the police authority for further comment.