Choosing The Bear

In the early hours of the 14/02/2000, 9 year old Asha Degree left her home for reasons unknown. Many theories and suspects regarding her disappearance continue to circulate online, with new developments as recent as April 2025.

Link to the search warrants: https://www.wbtv.com/2024/09/19/asha-degree-case-read-warrants-cleveland-county-shelby-raids-here/

Asha’s FBI Profile: https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/kidnap/asha-jaquilla-degree

CNN article: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/27/us/asha-degree-cold-case-text-messages/index.html

Case begins at - 5:22

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In today’s episode, we discuss conversion ‘therapy’ and the methods that have/are being used. Conversion ‘therapy’ aims to change/suppress someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

Case begins at - 6:50

For more information, support or to donate: - https://www.stonewall.org.uk/ - https://www.mind.org.uk/about-us/our-policy-work/conversion-therapy-ban/

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Katie Piper survived an acid attack that was orchestrated by her abusive ex boyfriend. The Katie Piper Foundation - https://katiepiperfoundation.org.uk

Case begins at - 4:30

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On the 20th of September 2020, Louis De Zoysa managed to sneak a gun into Croydon Police Station after he’d been arrested. He would fatally shoot Sargent Matt Ratana.

Case begins at - 4:49

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On the 26th of March 1997, San Diego County Sheriff’s Office received an anonymous call asking for a welfare check, regarding a mass suicide. This is the story of the Heavens Gate Cult.

Case begins at - 8:09

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Clare Wood was murdered by her abusive ex-boyfriend in 2009. Her murder would result in ‘Clare’s Law’ being implemented around the UK. Check the links for more information: - https://clares-law.com - https://www.met.police.uk/rqo/request/ri/request-information/cl/triage/v2/request-information-under-clares-law/

Case begins at - 6:07

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Stephen Port would meet his victims on online dating sites, invite them back to his house where the victim would be drugged and raped. Police failings would result in many more sexual assault victims and murders.

Case begins at - 7:13

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Stephen Port would meet his victims on online dating sites, invite them back to his house where the victim would be drugged and raped. Police failings would result in many more sexual assault victims and murders.

Case begins at - 9:05

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As promised, today we explain why we chose to call our podcast “choosing the bear”. On the 8/8/2010, Gemma Hayter was abused and brutally murdered by people who she considered as her friends.

Case begins at - 8:34

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Stephen Lawrence was murdered by a gang of racist youths, it would take 19 years for his family to get justice.

Case begins at - 7:34

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