A woman charged in the 2011 killing of Iowa real estate agent Ashley Okland pleaded not guilty on April 10, 2026, nearly 15 years after the crime. Kristin Ramsey, 53, was arrested last month following a grand jury indictment for first-degree murder. Okland, 27, was found dead at a model townhome in West Des Moines on April 8, 2011, where she was hosting an open house. Prosecutors have not disclosed a motive or new evidence in the case.
Part 1: Immediate Action & Core Facts
Ramsey entered her plea in Dallas County Courthouse in Adel, Iowa. Okland’s family, including her sister Brittany Bruce, attended the hearing. Bruce expressed relief that the case had progressed after years without answers. Prosecutors have withheld details about Ramsey’s potential motive or new evidence.
Part 2: Deeper Dive & Context
Witness Account and Evidence
A witness living near the crime scene reported hearing two loud noises and seeing Ramsey acting erratically outside the townhome. The witness claimed Ramsey was pacing, using her phone, and later fled the scene at high speed. Authorities noted Ramsey called a colleague at Rottlund Homes—where she worked at the time—but did not call 911. The witness made the emergency call instead.
Conflicting Statements and Search Warrant
Court records reveal Ramsey provided conflicting accounts of her whereabouts on the day of the murder. A search warrant executed on May 3, 2011, uncovered firearms, illegal substances, and violent posters in Ramsey’s home. Okland was shot twice at close range, once in the chest and once in the face.
Impact on Real Estate Industry
Okland’s death led to heightened safety protocols for real estate agents nationwide. The case remained unsolved for 15 years before Ramsey’s arrest.
Legal Proceedings
Ramsey’s arraignment followed her indictment on March 17, 2026. The case is ongoing, with prosecutors yet to disclose further details.