Iowa woman accused in 2011 murder of realtor bonds out of jail

Kristin Ramsey's bond reduced from $2 million to $500,000 with conditions

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:12pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the physical evidence in an unsolved murder investigation.The physical evidence in the unsolved 2011 murder of realtor Ashley Okland continues to haunt the community as the accused suspect is released on bond.Des Moines Today

A 53-year-old Iowa woman charged with first-degree murder in the 2011 death of realtor Ashley Okland has bonded out of jail after her bond was significantly lowered from $2 million to $500,000. Kristin Ramsey was charged in Okland's death, who was fatally shot while holding an open house in West Des Moines.

Why it matters

The lowering of Ramsey's bond and her release on house arrest with GPS monitoring has raised concerns in the community about public safety and the justice system's handling of a high-profile murder case that has remained unsolved for over 15 years.

The details

Ramsey's attorneys argued for a lower bond, citing her ties to the community and lack of a criminal record. The court agreed to lower the bond to $500,000, with conditions including house arrest, the removal of any guns in the home, and GPS monitoring. A trial date has been set for January 2027.

  • Okland was fatally shot on April 8, 2011 while holding an open house.
  • Ramsey's bond reduction hearing was held last week.
  • Ramsey's trial is scheduled for January 2027.

The players

Kristin Ramsey

A 53-year-old Iowa woman charged with first-degree murder in the 2011 death of realtor Ashley Okland.

Ashley Okland

A realtor who was fatally shot while holding an open house in West Des Moines in 2011.

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What’s next

A trial date has been scheduled for January 2027.

The takeaway

The lowering of Ramsey's bond and her release on house arrest with GPS monitoring has raised concerns in the community about public safety and the justice system's handling of a high-profile murder case that has remained unsolved for over 15 years.