Cold case murder of Iowa realtor solved 15 years later

Kristin Elizabeth Ramsey, a former employee of the developer, has been indicted for the 2011 killing of Ashley Okland.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 2:03am

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The mysterious death of Iowa realtor Ashley Okland, who was shot and killed during an open house in 2011, has been solved after 15 years. Kristin Elizabeth Ramsey, a former employee of the developer of the townhouse where Okland was killed, has been indicted on first-degree murder charges in the cold case.

Why it matters

Okland's killing had haunted the local real estate community, leading to changes in how open houses are conducted for safety. The arrest brings long-awaited justice and closure for Okland's family after years of the case going unsolved.

The details

Okland, 27, was found shot twice and killed inside a West Des Moines model townhouse while hosting an open house in 2011. Ramsey, 53, had previously worked as an administrative assistant and sales manager for Rottlund Homes, the developer of the townhouse where Okland was killed. Ramsey is currently employed at a title company connected to the realty firm Okland worked for.

  • Okland was killed on April 8, 2011.
  • Ramsey was indicted by a grand jury on first-degree murder charges on March 18, 2026.

The players

Ashley Okland

A 27-year-old realtor who was fatally shot while hosting an open house in West Des Moines, Iowa in 2011.

Kristin Elizabeth Ramsey

A 53-year-old woman who was indicted on first-degree murder charges for Okland's killing. Ramsey previously worked for the developer of the townhouse where Okland was killed and is currently employed at a title company connected to Okland's realty firm.

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What they’re saying

“Ashley's story has haunted a very vibrant community of professional realtors who have forever changed how they hold open houses and conduct business on a daily basis.”

— Jody Hayes, Assistant Police Chief

“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.”

— Brittany Bruce, Ashley Okland's younger sister

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Kristin Elizabeth Ramsey to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the lasting impact of unsolved murders on communities, as well as the importance of perseverance in cold case investigations. The arrest brings some closure for Okland's family and the local real estate industry after years of uncertainty.