Woman charged in 2011 cold case murder of Iowa real estate agent

Kristin Ramsey, 53, arrested for first-degree murder in death of Ashley Okland

Mar. 18, 2026 at 7:43pm

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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 Iowa's real estate community and remained an unsolved case for over a decade. The arrest of Ramsey provides long-awaited answers and the possibility of justice for Okland's family and friends.

The details

Police and prosecutors have not revealed what evidence led to Ramsey's arrest, but Dallas County Attorney Matt Schultz said a grand jury issued an indictment for first-degree murder after reviewing the evidence. 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 2011.

Matt Schultz

The Dallas County Attorney who announced the indictment of Kristin Ramsey.

Jody Hayes

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

Brittany Bruce

The sister of Ashley Okland who expressed gratitude for the continued investigation.

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What they’re saying

“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

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

— Brittany Bruce, Sister of Ashley Okland

What’s next

The judge will decide on Kristin Ramsey's bail status at a hearing next week.

The takeaway

This arrest provides long-awaited closure for Ashley Okland's family and the Iowa real estate community, demonstrating the importance of perseverance in cold case investigations and the pursuit of justice, even years after a tragic crime.