Iowa Woman Pleads Not Guilty in 2011 Real Estate Agent Killing

Kristin Ramsey charged with first-degree murder in the death of Ashley Okland, a 27-year-old Iowa Realty agent

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a broken lock or discarded item from a crime scene, dramatically lit with a harsh flash against a dark background, conceptually representing the unresolved investigation into the 2011 death of a real estate agent.The unsolved 2011 killing of a young real estate agent continues to haunt the industry, as new evidence emerges in the case.Adel Today

A woman charged in the killing of a young real estate agent in Iowa pleaded not guilty Friday, almost 15 years to the day that the death rattled the industry and led to heightened safety practices for agents nationwide. Kristin Ramsey, 53, was arrested last month after an indictment charged her with first-degree murder in the 2011 death of Ashley Okland, 27, who was found dead at a model townhome in West Des Moines where she was hosting an open house.

Why it matters

Okland's death in 2011 had a profound impact on the real estate community, leading to increased safety measures and protocols for agents nationwide. Ramsey's arrest and plea have reopened old wounds and raised new questions about what happened that day and why.

The details

Prosecutors said a neighbor who called 911 reportedly saw Ramsey, who worked with Okland, outside the front door of the model home and pacing by her car while talking on her cellphone before she drove off. Ramsey returned 15 minutes later. Ramsey's attorneys argue there are gaps in the case prosecutors presented to the grand jury, including by misrepresenting what the witness reported in the 911 call.

  • On April 8, 2011, Ashley Okland was found dead at a model townhome in West Des Moines where she was hosting an open house.
  • Kristin Ramsey was arrested on March 17, 2026, almost 15 years after Okland's death, following an indictment by a grand jury.

The players

Ashley Okland

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

Kristin Ramsey

A 53-year-old woman charged with first-degree murder in the 2011 killing of Ashley Okland. Ramsey had worked with Okland and was seen outside the model home on the day of the incident.

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 our business, our industry, our profession.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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

What’s next

The trial for Kristin Ramsey is set to begin in January 2027.

The takeaway

Okland's tragic death in 2011 led to significant changes in the real estate industry, with agents nationwide adopting heightened safety protocols. Ramsey's arrest and plea have reopened old wounds, but also raised new questions about what happened and why, as the community seeks closure and justice.