Iowa Murder Suspect Released on Reduced Bail After 15-Year Cold Case

Kristin Ramsey, accused of killing realtor Ashley Okland, had bail lowered to $500,000 due to lack of criminal history.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:05am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing against a pitch-black background, the metallic surface reflecting a faint red glow under harsh, direct lighting, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A single piece of physical evidence from the cold case murder investigation casts an ominous glow, hinting at the unsolved mystery that has lingered for 15 years.West Des Moines Today

Kristin Ramsey, the 53-year-old Iowa woman charged with the 2011 murder of realtor Ashley Okland, was released from jail on a reduced $500,000 bail after her attorneys argued she had no criminal record and strong community ties. Ramsey was initially held on $2 million bail before the judge lowered it, citing her lack of disciplinary issues in jail and the fact that she remained in the area during the 15-year investigation.

Why it matters

The case has drawn renewed attention to the unsolved 2011 killing of 27-year-old Ashley Okland, who was shot and killed during an open house showing. Ramsey, a former administrative assistant and sales manager, had been a person of interest since the beginning due to suspicious behavior, but prosecutors have not revealed a motive for the murder.

The details

Ramsey was indicted by a grand jury on a first-degree murder charge in March 2026. As part of her release agreement, she will be under house arrest, have her firearms confiscated, and be placed on 24/7 GPS monitoring. Prosecutors had informed Ramsey's attorneys that some evidence in the case had been lost or destroyed over the years.

  • Okland was killed on April 8, 2011 during an open house showing.
  • Ramsey was arrested and indicted on March 17, 2026.
  • Ramsey posted a $50,000 cash bond and was released on April 17, 2026.
  • Ramsey is expected to return to court on June 19, 2026.
  • A jury trial is scheduled for January 2027.

The players

Kristin Ramsey

The 53-year-old Iowa woman charged with the 2011 murder of realtor Ashley Okland. Ramsey had been a person of interest since the beginning due to suspicious behavior, but prosecutors have not revealed a motive for the murder.

Ashley Okland

The 27-year-old realtor who was found suffering from two gunshot wounds inside a West Des Moines townhome model unit and later pronounced dead at a hospital on April 8, 2011.

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What they’re saying

“(Ramsey) has no criminal record other than a single traffic ticket 25 years ago. Defendant has had no disciplinary issues while she has been in the Dallas County Jail. Jail staff have expressed no concerns that she poses any risk of self-harm.”

— Judge Coleman McAllister, Judge

What’s next

Ramsey is expected to return to court on June 19, 2026, and a jury trial is scheduled for January 2027.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of prosecuting a cold case murder after 15 years, with the loss or destruction of evidence potentially complicating the state's case against Ramsey. The judge's decision to lower her bail based on her lack of criminal history and community ties raises questions about how the justice system balances public safety concerns with presumption of innocence.