Judge to Decide on Bond Reduction for Kristin Ramsey in Okland Murder Case

Ramsey charged with 2011 killing of West Des Moines realtor Ashley Okland

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:21am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent shell casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic without any text or symbols.A single piece of physical evidence from the unsolved 2011 murder case casts an ominous shadow, as the judge weighs whether to reduce the suspect's bond.Des Moines Today

A judge will decide this week whether to lower the $2 million bond for Kristin Ramsey, who is charged with the 2011 first-degree murder of West Des Moines realtor Ashley Okland. Ramsey entered a not guilty plea on Friday during her arraignment and bond review in Dallas County, where a large crowd gathered. Her defense team is seeking to lower the bond to $100,000, arguing she is not a flight risk and has deep ties to her community in Woodward. Prosecutors contend the bond should remain at $2 million, citing a witness who allegedly saw Ramsey at the crime scene shortly after the shooting.

Why it matters

The bond decision will determine whether Ramsey remains in jail or is released on bond as she awaits trial for the high-profile 2011 killing of Okland, a popular local realtor. The case has drawn significant public interest and scrutiny, with the bond hearing drawing a large crowd in the Dallas County courthouse.

The details

Kristin Ramsey was charged with first-degree murder in the 2011 death of Ashley Okland, a West Des Moines realtor. Prosecutors say a witness saw Ramsey at the crime scene shortly after hearing gunshots on April 8, 2011. Ramsey entered a not guilty plea during her arraignment and bond review hearing on Friday in Dallas County. Her defense team is arguing for a bond reduction from $2 million to $100,000, claiming she is not a flight risk and has deep ties to her Woodward community. The state is contesting the bond reduction, maintaining the $2 million bond should remain in place.

  • On April 8, 2011, gunshots were heard at the crime scene where Ashley Okland was killed.
  • On Friday, Kristin Ramsey entered a not guilty plea during her arraignment and bond review hearing in Dallas County.

The players

Kristin Ramsey

A woman charged with first-degree murder in the 2011 death of West Des Moines realtor Ashley Okland. She is seeking to have her $2 million bond reduced to $100,000.

Ashley Okland

A West Des Moines realtor who was killed in 2011, leading to the first-degree murder charge against Kristin Ramsey.

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What they’re saying

“We must show the court that Kristin Ramsey is not a flight risk and has deep ties to her community. A $100,000 bond is reasonable given the circumstances.”

— Kristin Ramsey's Defense Attorney

“The $2 million bond should remain in place. A witness saw the defendant at the crime scene shortly after the shooting, and we cannot risk her fleeing prosecution.”

— State Prosecutor

What’s next

The judge will decide this week whether to lower Kristin Ramsey's bond from $2 million to $100,000.

The takeaway

This high-profile murder case has drawn significant public interest, with the bond hearing attracting a large crowd. The judge's decision on whether to reduce Ramsey's bond will be closely watched, as it will determine if she remains jailed or is released pending trial.