Hi, I admit I haven't delved into this case much, so my opinion is subject to change. Asha's disappearance is one that has always stayed in the back of my mind. Bit of a long post.
I'm not sure what the general consensus here is of why she left that day, but I see a lot of people putting into stock that there had to be a huge catalyst for her to leave with the storm/rain outside. It isn't that uncommon for children/tweens, after getting into an argument or simply because they are bored, to pack some of their things and run off as an "I'll show them"... or all the heightened emotions just make them want to run. Many kids have personal stories in their childhoods having done it or attempted it. I'm not saying her family was mistreating her either, there's no evidence for that, but in her child mind there could have been something that set her off.
Well, leaving while in a rainstorm in the middle of the night, when said child was much afraid of the dark? Certainly less likely, but not impossible by any means. I never really believed that she was lured away or had been communicating with someone who told her to leave. I definitely think she intended to be back, and I also consider the possibility that this wasn't the first time she had run away or snuck out undetected. She may have just always returned home before her parents noticed? Additionally, I imagine a 9-year-old wouldn't be very good with risk assessment and was simply going off her instincts of wanting to bail. But it is certainly mind boggling to read about the environment she must have put herself into that night. If she really did plan to run away, then why during those conditions, and at that time? I'm sure there was a reason, so what exactly was it?
Also about the DNA match, I too think that it could be like a LISK situation where the hair got there through transfer and was important solely because it made the familial connection -- not necessarily pointing towards any involvement on the teen's end. I am hopeful that there will be answers for Asha's family, I never expected to see so much movement in this case... I am happy there may be a resolution soon for everyone who loved her.