Witness Spots Suspect Near Iowa Real Estate Agent's Murder Scene

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A witness claims to have seen Kristin Ramsey, the woman accused of murdering Iowa real estate agent Ashley Okland in 2011, near the crime scene shortly after the fatal shooting. Ramsey was allegedly spotted pacing by her vehicle on her cell phone and then quickly backing up and driving away in an erratic manner. The witness then discovered Okland unresponsive inside the model townhome where she was working.

Why it matters

This development provides key eyewitness testimony that could help solve this long-running cold case. Ramsey's alleged conflicting statements about her whereabouts that day have also raised suspicions. The murder of Okland, who was shot twice at close range, shocked the local real estate community and has remained an open case for over a decade.

The details

According to court documents, a woman living in a neighboring townhome said she heard two loud noises, believed to be gunshots, shortly after 2 p.m. on the day of the murder. She then saw Ramsey, who was a sales manager for the company that owned the model home, outside the front door. The witness said Ramsey then paced by her vehicle on the phone before quickly backing up and driving away in an erratic manner. The witness then went into the model home and found Okland unresponsive on the ground, calling 911. Ramsey later returned to the area, the documents state.

• The incident occurred on April 8, 2011.
• Ramsey was arrested last month for first-degree murder in the case.

What’s next

Ramsey is due in court on Friday for a bail hearing. Prosecutors will likely continue to build their case against her using the witness testimony and other evidence.