WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Police arrested a 53-year-old Iowa woman this week on first-degree murder charges in the 2011 shooting death of real estate agent Ashley Okland, whose killing during an open house shocked the state and remained unsolved for nearly 15 years.
Kristin Elizabeth Ramsey of Woodward was indicted by a Dallas County grand jury and arrested Tuesday without incident, West Des Moines Assistant Police Chief Jody Hayes announced Wednesday. Ramsey is being held in Dallas County Jail on $2 million cash-only bond. The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in a case that generated national headlines and forever changed how real estate agents conduct open houses across Iowa. Hayes said the investigation involved nearly 900 leads and interviews with about 500 people over the years. No other arrests are expected, and authorities declined to discuss evidence or motive, citing the ongoing judicial process.
Okland, 27, was showing a model townhouse at 558 Stone Creek Court in West Des Moines on April 8, 2011, when she was shot twice around 2 p.m. on a Friday afternoon. An employee with developer Rottlund Homes heard a commotion inside the model townhouse and went to investigate, discovering Okland on the floor and calling 911, according to Crime Stoppers of Central Iowa. She was rushed to Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines but died from her injuries. “Ashley’s story has kept many of us awake at night, revisiting the details over and over in our minds, searching for that missing piece that would tie everything together and lead us down the right path to identifying a person who was responsible for this act,” Hayes said during Wednesday’s news conference.
Court records show Ramsey worked as an administrative assistant and sales manager for Rottlund Homes at the time of Okland’s murder, according to her LinkedIn profile and sources familiar with her work history. The now-defunct company owned the townhouse development where Okland was killed. In a stunning revelation, Iowa Realty confirmed that Ramsey later became an employee of one of its businesses, Midland Title & Escrow, beginning work several months after Okland’s murder. “Along with everyone in our community, we are understandably stunned,” the company said in a statement to local media. Dallas County Attorney Matt Schultz said during the news conference that after hearing evidence, the grand jury issued an indictment against Ramsey. Police have been searching Ramsey’s Woodward home with metal detectors for two consecutive days, though they have not disclosed what they are seeking.
Okland graduated from Iowa State University in 2006 after transferring from the University of Iowa and began her real estate career in 2007. She joined Iowa Realty, the state’s largest real estate firm, in 2010. Born December 30, 1983, in Ames, she grew up in Huxley and was involved in sports, dance, 4-H and piano at Ballard High School. Outside of work, she volunteered with Young Variety and Big Brothers and Big Sisters organizations. Her father Tim described her as “passionate about helping children.” In 2014, the Ashley Okland Star Playground opened at Ewing Park in Des Moines, featuring specialized equipment for children with cognitive and physical disabilities. “Ashley was all-inclusive in her personality, which is exactly what this playground is,” said Susan Hatten, who conceived the playground idea. The Young Professionals Connection awarded an annual community service award in Okland’s name for several years.
The case gained renewed attention when Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird formed a cold case unit in 2024 dedicated to investigating the state’s more than 400 unsolved murders. Okland’s photo and case details were featured in a deck of playing cards distributed to Iowa inmates to generate new leads. Bird attended Wednesday’s news conference, emphasizing the importance of solving cold cases. “Every person here today believes one thing for sure. No one should ever get away with murder,” Bird said. Ramsey made her initial court appearance Wednesday morning at the Dallas County Courthouse, with her next appearance scheduled for April 10th. It was not immediately clear if she has retained legal representation, and messages left with relatives were not returned. The case file remains sealed as prosecutors prepare for trial proceedings.
Okland’s family expressed relief and gratitude during the news conference while acknowledging the long journey ahead. Her sister Brittany Bruce said the family had “lost hope in finding answers and having any justice for Ashley. It was really difficult to accept that the case had gone cold.” She thanked law enforcement officers and described their work as “a true gift from God that we feel fortunate to be touched by.” Brother Josh Okland, who spent the afternoon before her death training with Ashley at a Panera restaurant in Ankeny as she prepared to hire him as her assistant, said he remains proud of his sister’s legacy. “She impacted so many people in such a positive way and such a good role model for a short 27-year life. Her legacy lives on,” he told reporters last year. The family has requested privacy as the case moves forward.
Ramsey faces first-degree murder charges that carry a potential life sentence without parole if convicted. Hayes emphasized that despite the significant arrest, investigators’ work continues as the case transitions to criminal prosecution. The murder sent shockwaves throughout Iowa’s real estate community and prompted lasting changes in safety protocols for open houses statewide. Ramsey’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 10th, where she is expected to enter a formal plea.
