Iowa Woman Pleads Not Guilty in 2011 Killing of Real Estate Agent

Kristin Ramsey made her first court appearance in the 15-year-old murder case of West Des Moines realtor Ashley Okland.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:24pm

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An Iowa woman named Kristin Ramsey has pleaded not guilty to the murder of real estate agent Ashley Okland, who was killed 15 years ago in West Des Moines. Ramsey, 53, was arrested last month after a grand jury indicted her on a first-degree murder charge. Prosecutors have provided limited details about the case, but court filings indicate a witness saw Ramsey outside the model home where Okland was found dead in 2011.

Why it matters

Okland's killing had a major impact on the real estate industry, leading to heightened safety practices for agents nationwide. Ramsey's arrest has also sparked confusion and more questions than answers within the tight-knit Des Moines real estate community, as she was also a member.

The details

According to prosecutors, a witness who was in a neighboring townhome heard two loud noises and saw Ramsey pacing outside the model home before she drove off. The witness then discovered Okland unresponsive inside. Ramsey's attorneys argue the prosecution presented only limited evidence to the grand jury and failed to disclose key details like the lack of a weapon, ballistics, or DNA evidence.

  • Okland was killed on April 8, 2011.
  • Ramsey was arrested and indicted by a grand jury on March 17, 2026.
  • Ramsey's arraignment and bond review hearing took place on April 11, 2026.

The players

Kristin Ramsey

A 53-year-old Iowa woman who has been charged with first-degree murder in the 2011 killing of real estate agent Ashley Okland.

Ashley Okland

A 27-year-old real estate agent with Iowa Realty who was found dead at a model townhome in West Des Moines where she was hosting an open house in 2011.

Brittany Bruce

Okland's sister, who spoke to reporters in March about the family's hope for justice after 15 years.

Scott Steelman

The president of the Des Moines Area Association of Realtors and an agent at Iowa Realty, who described Okland's killing as 'so out of character' for the industry.

Alfredo Parrish

One of Ramsey's defense attorneys, who argued there are gaps in the case prosecutors presented to the grand jury.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Brittany Bruce, Okland's sister

“Nationwide, it's caused the real estate community to take greater caution when interacting with the public. We will not show any property to someone who we don't know, aren't familiar or at least have not vetted.”

— Scott Steelman, President of the Des Moines Area Association of Realtors

“You don't wait 15 years and then say: 'OK, let's make a go of it'.”

— Alfredo Parrish, Ramsey's attorney

What’s next

Ramsey's trial is set to begin in January 2027.

The takeaway

This case highlights the lasting impact of Okland's tragic death on the real estate industry, which led to heightened safety measures nationwide. It also raises questions about the strength of the evidence against Ramsey after such a long delay in charges being filed.