Full Breakdown
Kristin Ramsey Charged in 2011 Cold Case Murder of Realtor Ashley Okland
4/11/2026, 1:20:17 AM
Overview of the Case
Kristin Ramsey, 53, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the 2011 death of Ashley Okland, a West Des Moines real estate agent. Okland was shot twice while hosting an open house at a model townhome owned by Rottlund Homes on April 8, 2011. The case remained unsolved for over 15 years until Ramsey's recent arrest.
Key Developments and Evidence
Newly released court documents detail witness accounts and evidence against Ramsey. A neighbor reported hearing two loud noises, believed to be gunshots, shortly before seeing Ramsey outside the townhome. The witness observed Ramsey pacing near her vehicle and using her phone, allegedly calling a colleague at Rottlund Homes instead of contacting 911. The witness ultimately called emergency services after discovering Okland unresponsive inside the home.
Investigators found conflicting statements from Ramsey regarding her whereabouts on the day of the murder. Additionally, authorities executed search warrants at Ramsey's home, uncovering firearms, illegal substances, and violent posters. These items were found during searches conducted both in 2011 and shortly before her arrest in 2023.
Legal Proceedings and Bond Issues
Ramsey's bond is currently set at $2 million, a figure the state argues is standard for murder cases, reflecting the seriousness of the charges and the risk of flight. Ramsey's defense team has requested a reduction to $100,000, claiming the bond is unreasonably high and that the grand jury was not presented with comprehensive evidence, including firearms and DNA analysis.
In response, the state has filed paperwork opposing the bond reduction and Ramsey's request to quash a search warrant for her electronic devices. The state contends that Ramsey's claims about the grand jury's evidence presentation are unfounded and that there is no legal basis for preemptively challenging a search warrant.
Criticism and Defense Arguments
Ramsey's defense argues that the state's portrayal of the evidence is sensationalized and misrepresents the facts. They maintain that the absence of direct evidence linking Ramsey to the murder undermines the prosecution's case. The defense has also expressed concerns about the potential for sensitive information to be revealed through the search of Ramsey's electronic devices.
What's Next
Ramsey is scheduled to appear in court for a bail hearing, where the state will argue against lowering her bond. The legal proceedings will continue as both sides prepare for trial, with the prosecution asserting that there is no evidence of other individuals being involved in Okland's murder.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The witness then observed the Defendant back up at a high rate of speed in an erratic manner and leave the area,” — Court Document
- “The State’s 'concerns' about the nature of the offense are sensationalized and should not be considered in the court’s decision on her motion to reduce bond,” — Ramsey's Defense Filing
- “Iowa's criminal rules do not support suppressing evidence before it is obtained,” — State's Attorneys Statement
