Kristin Ramsey charged with first-degree murder in connection to Ashley Okland's tragic death.
Category: Local News
In a significant breakthrough in a case that haunted the Iowa real estate community for over 15 years, authorities have arrested Kristin Elizabeth Ramsey, 53, in connection with the murder of Ashley Okland, a 27-year-old realtor shot while showing a model townhouse in West Des Moines. The arrest, announced on March 18, 2026, follows a relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement and the community.
On April 8, 2011, Okland was found dead inside the townhouse, having suffered two gunshot wounds. An employee of Rottlund Homes, the developer of the property, heard a commotion and discovered Okland on the floor, prompting a 911 call. She was rushed to Iowa Methodist Medical Center but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Ramsey, who worked as an administrative assistant and sales manager for Rottlund Homes at the time of the murder, was indicted by a Dallas County grand jury on March 17, 2026, and is currently being held in the Dallas County Jail on a $2 million cash-only bond. The motive for Okland's murder remains unclear, and police have not disclosed any details regarding the evidence that led to Ramsey's indictment.
West Des Moines Assistant Police Chief Jody Hayes, who has been involved in the case since its inception, described the investigation as one that has kept many awake at night. "Ashley’s story has kept many of us awake at night, revisiting the details over and over in our minds, searching for that missing piece that would tie everything together and lead us down the right path to identifying a person who was responsible for this act," he stated during a press conference.
Okland's death sent shockwaves through the local community and prompted changes in how real estate agents conduct open houses. Many agents now adhere to a safety pledge, ensuring they meet prospective buyers in public places and request identification before showing homes.
Josh Okland, Ashley's brother, expressed gratitude during the press conference, saying, "Today is a day my family has thought about very often over the last 15 years." He thanked law enforcement and the community for their support, acknowledging the emotional toll of the cold case. "That Friday afternoon when Ashley was taken from us seems so long ago. We had lost our hope in finding answers and having any justice for Ashley. It was really difficult to accept that the case went cold," he added.
Brittany Bruce, Ashley's sister, also spoke at the news conference, thanking the police for their unwavering commitment to the case. "Their dedication, commitment to Ashley, their drive and work ethic is a true gift from God that we feel fortunate to be touched by," she said. Both siblings emphasized the importance of respecting the families involved as the case unfolds.
Ramsey's legal history is relatively sparse, with her only prior offense being a speeding ticket in 2001. After Okland's murder, she continued her career in real estate and later became a title officer at Midland Title & Escrow, a company affiliated with Iowa Realty, where Okland was employed at the time of her death. Following the announcement of her arrest, Midland Title & Escrow removed Ramsey from its website, expressing shock and sadness over the situation.
Dallas County Attorney Matt Schultz will personally oversee the prosecution of the case alongside Assistant County Attorney Andrea Lovig and Assistant Attorney General Scott Brown, who leads Iowa's cold case unit. Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird established this unit in 2024 to tackle the state's numerous cold cases, with Okland's case being one of the first it aimed to solve.
"Families deserve answers, and there needs to be justice for every victim," Bird stated during the press conference. She expressed hope that the Cold Case Unit could generate new leads and bring closure to families like the Oklands.
The investigation into Okland's murder has involved thousands of leads, countless pieces of evidence, and the collaboration of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the FBI. Despite the challenges, Hayes confirmed that no additional arrests are anticipated in this case.
As the legal process unfolds, the Okland family remains hopeful for justice. Josh Okland reflected on the emotional weight of the case, stating, "We have so many people to thank... thank you for your countless hours helping on Ashley's case." His sister, Brittany, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of community support and the relentless pursuit of truth.
Okland's legacy continues to resonate within the community, particularly with the establishment of a playground in Ewing Park dedicated to children with special needs, honoring her memory and the positive impact she had during her short life.
As the court proceedings commence, the family and community await further developments, hoping that this arrest marks a significant step toward justice for Ashley Okland.