Woman Arrested in 2011 Cold Case Murder of Iowa Real Estate Agent

Kristin Ramsey, 53, charged with first-degree murder in death of Ashley Okland

Mar. 18, 2026 at 10:43pm

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Kristin Ramsey, 53, has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the 2011 cold case killing of Iowa real estate agent Ashley Okland. Okland was shot and killed while working at a model townhouse in West Des Moines on April 8, 2011. After years without answers, a Dallas County grand jury has indicted Ramsey for Okland's murder.

Why it matters

Okland's death sent shockwaves through the state and haunted the real estate community. This arrest provides long-awaited answers and the possibility of justice for Okland's family after over a decade of unanswered questions.

The details

Police and prosecutors have not elaborated on what led to Ramsey's arrest, but a Dallas County grand jury has indicted her for first-degree murder in Okland's death. Okland was shot and killed while working at a model townhouse in West Des Moines on April 8, 2011.

  • Okland was killed on April 8, 2011.
  • Ramsey was arrested on Tuesday, March 18, 2026.

The players

Kristin Ramsey

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

Ashley Okland

An Iowa real estate agent who was shot and killed while working at a model townhouse in West Des Moines in 2011.

Brittany Bruce

The sister of Ashley Okland, who expressed gratitude to detectives and prosecutors for their work on the case.

Matt Schultz

The Dallas County Attorney who announced the grand jury's indictment of Kristin Ramsey.

Jody Hayes

The West Des Moines Police Assistant Chief who spoke about the impact of Okland's death on the community.

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What they’re saying

“We have full confidence in their abilities to see this through.”

— Brittany Bruce, Sister of Ashley Okland

“After hearing the evidence, a Dallas County grand jury issued a true bill indicting Kristin Ramsey with the murder of Ashley Okland.”

— Matt Schultz, Dallas County Attorney

“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.”

— Brittany Bruce, Sister of Ashley Okland

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This arrest provides long-awaited answers and the possibility of justice for Ashley Okland's family after over a decade of unanswered questions, highlighting the importance of persistent investigations into cold cases to bring closure to grieving communities.