Murder Suspect Kristin Ramsey Released on Reduced Bond with Strict Conditions

Judge cites lack of criminal record and community ties in lowering bond from $2 million to $500,000 for 2011 killing of West Des Moines realtor.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:41pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffs against a pitch-black background, the metal reflecting a harsh, direct camera flash. The handcuffs are the sole focus, creating a stark, gritty, investigative visual.The strict release conditions for murder suspect Kristin Ramsey underscore the gravity of the charges she faces, even as she awaits trial.Des Moines Today

Kristin Ramsey, charged with first-degree murder in the 2011 killing of West Des Moines realtor Ashley Okland, was released from jail on Thursday after a judge lowered her bond from $2 million to $500,000. Ramsey was required to post $50,000 cash for release and must now wear a GPS monitor, remain under house arrest, and follow other strict conditions.

Why it matters

The judge's decision to lower Ramsey's bond in a first-degree murder case is considered unusual, as suspects in such serious crimes are typically viewed as high-risk to the community. However, the judge cited Ramsey's lack of criminal history and strong local ties as factors in the bond reduction.

The details

On Thursday morning, the judge reduced Kristin Ramsey's bond from $2 million to $500,000. She was required to post 10%, or $50,000 cash, for release. With her face covered, Ramsey walked out of jail shortly after noon and got into a black SUV with her mother. The judge's ruling cited several factors, including Ramsey having no criminal record beyond a traffic ticket 25 years ago, no disciplinary issues in jail, and statements from the community showing she has strong local ties. The judge also noted that despite remaining a person of interest, Ramsey did not flee the area.

  • On Thursday morning, the judge reduced Kristin Ramsey's bond from $2 million to $500,000.
  • Ramsey was required to post $50,000 cash, or 10% of the $500,000 bond, for release.
  • Ramsey walked out of jail shortly after noon on Thursday.

The players

Kristin Ramsey

The woman charged with first-degree murder for the 2011 killing of West Des Moines realtor Ashley Okland.

Ashley Okland

A West Des Moines realtor who was killed in 2011.

Steve Foritano

A former Polk County prosecutor who is not connected to the case, but provided analysis on the judge's decision to lower Ramsey's bond.

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What they’re saying

“It's a little unusual for an individual to have their bond in a first-degree murder case reduced simply because, generally, they're considered a very high danger to the community, especially if the murder has just occurred.”

— Steve Foritano, Former Polk County prosecutor

“The conditions are fairly strict, even though it is a first-degree murder case.”

— Steve Foritano, Former Polk County prosecutor

What’s next

If Ramsey violates the conditions of her release, the judge would likely hold a hearing to determine the severity of the infraction and could reinstate the original $2 million cash-only bond or raise it even higher.

The takeaway

The judge's decision to lower the bond for a first-degree murder suspect is highly unusual, but was based on Ramsey's lack of criminal history and strong community ties. The strict release conditions, including house arrest and GPS monitoring, aim to balance public safety concerns with the presumption of innocence.