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 8:43pm

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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

Kristin Ramsey, 53, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with first-degree murder in the death of Ashley Okland. Okland was shot and killed while working at a model townhouse in West Des Moines on April 8, 2011. Prosecutors did not provide details on what led to Ramsey's arrest, but a Dallas County grand jury issued an indictment after hearing evidence in the case.

  • 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 on the real estate community.

Brittany Bruce

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

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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, Ashley Okland's sister

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

— Brittany Bruce, Ashley Okland's sister

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 the family and friends of Ashley Okland, whose murder in 2011 sent shockwaves through Iowa's real estate community. The case highlights the importance of persistent investigations and the resilience of those seeking closure for unsolved crimes.