Ashley Okland
558 Stone Creek Court
West Des Moines, IA
Dallas County

January 18, 2010

• Ashley Okland publicly announces she is working at Iowa Realty in a Facebook post, stating she is “excited to be working at Iowa Realty.” office location at the Jordan Grove office, near the corner of E.P. True Parkway and Valley West Drive in West Des Moines. Source

April 7, 2011

• Ashley Okland spends the afternoon with her brother, Josh Okland.
• Her real estate career is actively growing, and she has recently brought him on to help with administrative work.
• The two sit together for several hours at a Panera restaurant, where Ashley trains him for the role, walking him through the details of her business and daily operations.

April 8, 2011 

• 1:00 pm: 27-year-old Ashley Okland was hosting an open house at the model townhome at 558 Stone Creek Court in the Stone Creek Villas subdivision (developed by Rottlund Homes, near 84th St. and E.P. True Parkway) in West Des Moines, Iowa.
• 1:55 p.m She sent a casual email (last known activity) and a text message to a friend less than five minutes before the shooting neither indicated distress.
• 2:00 p.m.: A witness in the neighboring attached townhome (sharing a wall) heard two loud “thuds”(believed to be gunshots) a few seconds apart.
• The witness looked out and saw a woman pacing outside the front door of the model home while talking on her phone.
• The witness observed no one else near the home; other entrances were locked. Woman then got in her car, backed up at a high rate of speed in an erratic manner, and left the area.
• 2:09 p.m.: Concerned, the witness entered the model townhome and found Okland unresponsive on the floor in a pool of blood.
• She had been shot twice at close range (chest and head/face).
• There was no sign of struggle, suggesting she may have known the shooter.
• The witness called 911.
• Okland was transported to Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, where she was pronounced dead.
• Two .380 caliber cartridge casings are located inside the residence.
• Kristin Ramsey returns to the scene following the incident and is initially interviewed by investigators.

April 12, 2011

• 4:00 p.m. Visitation was held Tuesday, April 12, 2011, at Fjeldberg Lutheran Church in Huxley, Iowa, from 4 to 8 p.m. More than 1,600 people attended the Celebration of Life ceremony on Thursday at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines.

May 3, 2011

• Police executed a search warrant at Kristin Ramsey’s home and found multiple firearms, illegal substances, and posters with threatening/violent themes.
• Ramsey had worked for Rottlund Homes (the builder) in an administrative/sales role

Late 2011

• Over 600 leads, 400+ interviews, and 200+ Crime Stoppers tips by September 2011.

January 1, 2012

• Ashley’s younger sister, Brittany Okland, encouraged anyone with information to contact investigators.
• “Even something little could end up being something big,” Cochran said in the same interview that she prays every day for justice for her daughter.

April 2012,

• Over 700 leads. A black SUV (possibly a Cadillac Escalade) was reported near the scene.
• Rewards escalated from $1,000 to $80,000+ (eventually reaching $150,000, the largest in Polk County Crime Stoppers history at the time).

April 2013:

• Case marked one-and two-year anniversaries with no arrest.
• Hundreds of anonymous tips continued, many about the black SUV.

January 29, 2014

• Fundraising for the Ashley Okland Star Playground Project: a playground for children with special needs in Des Moines’ Ewing Park in her honor. Iowa Association of Realtors donated $100,000.

September 30, 2014

• West Des Moines Police Department confirms it is reviewing a potential connection between the 2011 murder of Ashley Okland and the killing of Arkansas realtor Beverly Carter.
• Carter is found in a shallow grave near Cabot, Arkansas, after being abducted while showing a home.
• A suspect in Carter’s murder is arrested, prompting Iowa investigators to examine similarities between the two cases.
• Authorities state they are monitoring violent crimes involving real estate agents nationwide and are coordinating with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office.
• Law enforcement confirms:
• The person responsible for Okland’s murder has not yet been identified.
• Investigators continue to follow up on leads
• A reward of $150,000 remains in place for information leading to an arrest in Okland’s case.

October 1, 2014

• Authorities in West Des Moines investigated connection in Arkansas to see if there was any connection between Okland’s murder and that of 49-year-old Beverly Carter, a Little Rock, Arkansas realtor who was killed after setting up an appointment to show an empty home.
• Two detectives assigned to the case are reaching out to Arkansas law enforcement officials “just to see if there’s any possibility at all” of a connection between the deaths of Beverly Carter, 49, of Little Rock and Okland, said Sgt. Ken O’Brien, spokesman for the West Des Moines Police Department.
• Carter was reported missing Sept. 25, 2014, and the Pulaski (Ark.) County Sheriff’s Office said her body was found on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014, in a shallow grave.
• Brief connection checked to the murder of realtor Beverly Carter in Arkansas (suspect Arron Michael Lewis; his whereabouts in April 2011 were verified as not matching).

April 8, 2016 

• 5:30 pm Statement from West Des Moines Police Department Source
• Despite investigating almost 800 leads and having contact with approximately 400 people during the investigation, the information necessary to solve this crime has not yet been uncovered. However, even with the passage of time, investigators assigned to this case are confident that someone has important knowledge about the time leading up to her death and the identities of those involved.
• As we pass this tragic milestone, we are asking those who can bring this information to light to come forward and help provide closure to those affected by the loss of this successful and vibrant young woman.
• A reward of up to $150,000.00 is available for information leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for Ashley’s death.
• Anyone who has any pertinent information concerning the murder of Ashley Okland is asked to report that information to Crime Stoppers of Central Iowa. You can anonymously report your tip by calling 515-223-1400, submitting you tip online at Crime Stoppers of Central Iowa, or text “PCCS plus your message” to CRIMES (274637).

April 02, 2021

• 1:30 pm West Des Moines Police Still Searching for Information into Ashley Okland Homicide.  Source
• Ten years ago, on April 8 ^th, 2011, 27-year-old Ashley Okland was murdered while working as a realtor at an open house/office in a townhome development located at 558 Stone Creek Ct, West Des Moines, Iowa. As of today, her murder remains unsolved.
• Despite investigating nearly 900 leads and having contact with approximately 500 people during the investigation, the information necessary to solve this crime has not yet been uncovered. However, even with the passage of time, investigators assigned to the case are confident that someone has crucial knowledge about the time leading up to her death and the identities of those involved. This case remains open and West Des Moines Police Detectives continue to pursue any leads they receive about the case. 
• As we approach this tragic milestone, we are asking anyone with information to come forward and help provide closure to those affected by the loss of this successful and vibrant young woman.
• The family and friends of Ashley Okland are offering a reward of up to $150,000.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or individuals responsible for her untimely death.
• Anyone that has any pertinent information concerning the murder of Ashley Okland is asked to report that information to Crime Stoppers of Central Iowa. You can anonymously report your tip to Crime Stoppers of Central Iowa by calling 515-223-1400 or 800-452-1111, submitting your tip online at  crimestoppersofcentral.com or using their free app at P3TIPS.com.

2021

• Case remained unsolved. Police reported no major breakthroughs (e.g., July 2015, April 2016 five-year mark, September 2021 ten-year mark). By 2021, investigators had interviewed ~500 people, followed up on ~900 tips, and maintained a database of over 550 names. The case prompted real estate safety changes (e.g., increased security systems).

April 8, 2021

• marks ten years since Ashley Okland’s life was taken by a person who has still not been brought to justice. Despite an extensive search by our agency and others, the thorough investigation of almost 900 leads, and speaking with approximately 500 people, the information necessary to solve this crime has not yet been uncovered. Source
• Investigators are confident that someone has crucial knowledge about the time leading up to her death and the identities of those involved. As this case remains open, our detectives will continue to follow up on any information that may help solve this crime.
• The family and friends of Ashley Okland are offering a reward of up to $150,000.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or individuals responsible for her untimely death.
• Anyone that has any pertinent information concerning the murder of Ashley Okland is asked to report that information to Crime Stoppers of Central Iowa. You can anonymously report your tip to Crime Stoppers of Central Iowa by calling 515-223-1400 or 800-452-1111, or by submitting your tip online at http://ow.ly/t2yF50EiMON

June 18, 2024

• Attorney General Bird Launches Cold Case Unit to Seek Justice for Victims and Families Source

October 16, 2024

• Ashley Okland Variety Star Playground at the Clive Greenbelt Source

April 16, 2025

• Attorney General Bird Launches Cold Case Card Deck to Help Crack Iowa Cold Cases Source

March 17, 2026

• Dallas County grand jury indicted Kristin Elizabeth Ramsey, 53 (of Woodward, Iowa; formerly Kristin Pommer), on first-degree murder.
• She was arrested without incident. A second search warrant was executed at her home.
• She was booked into Dallas County Jail on a $2 million cash-only bond (Booking  #2026-00000522).
• Ramsey allegedly provided multiple conflicting statements about her whereabouts on April 8, 2011.
• Investigators execute a second search warrant at Ramsey’s home in Woodward, again recovering multiple firearms, illegal substances, and similar threatening posters.
• Grand Jury: That same day, a Dallas County grand jury indicts 53-year-old Kristin Ramsey on a charge of first-degree murder. She is booked into the Dallas County Jail on a $2 million cash-only bond.

March 18, 2026

• 9:00 a.m Press conference by West Des Moines police and prosecutors. Okland’s family and Ramsey’s family spoke. Case assigned to Dallas County Attorney Matt Schultz (with Iowa Cold Case Unit involvement).

March 19, 2026

• Defense (attorneys Alfredo Parrish and Brandon Brown) filed motion to reduce bond to $100,000, citing Ramsey’s lifelong local ties, stable employment (recently with Midland Title), lack of criminal record (only an old speeding ticket), ~50–52 character letters, and indigence. Also moved to quash a phone search warrant. Ramsey “adamantly maintains her innocence.”
• Ramsey files a motion seeking a reduction of her $2 million cash-only bond to $100,000, with the option to post 10% for release. She agrees to conditions including GPS monitoring, a curfew, pretrial supervision, and surrendering her passport.
• In the filing, her attorneys argue she understands the seriousness of the charge but cannot adequately assist in her defense while incarcerated, given the volume of evidence gathered over 15 years. They also emphasize her deep ties to Dallas County and central Iowa, arguing she is not a flight risk.
• The motion references forthcoming letters of support describing Ramsey as a person of good moral character who maintains her innocence, and notes she has no prior criminal history beyond a 2001 traffic citation.
• Ramsey also files a motion to quash a search warrant for her cellphone and other electronic devices, arguing those devices did not exist at the time of the alleged crime.

April 8, 2026

• State filed resistance to bond reduction, detailing the neighbor witness account (gunshots, Ramsey pacing on phone and erratic departure, witness calling 911). Prosecutors argued flight risk and seriousness of the charge.
• Ramsey’s attorneys file a reply to the state’s resistance to the bond reduction motion, arguing that the state misrepresented evidence in its latest filing.

April 9, 2026

• Defense reply accused prosecutors of misrepresenting/“cherry-picking” evidence to the grand jury, emphasizing no direct physical evidence (no murder weapon, no confession, no DNA/fingerprints/GSR/blood, no digital links). Claimed the case in 2026 was largely the same as in 2011 when no charges were filed. Ramsey pleaded not guilty at arraignment/bond review; waived speedy trial. Trial tentatively expected in January 2027. Character witnesses testified.

April 10, 2026

• A hearing is held on Ramsey’s motions for a bond reduction and to squash a search warrant on her cellphone and digital devices.
• Ramsey appears in person as Judge Coleman McCallister hears testimony from her friends and family about Ramsey’s character.
• McCallister notes that he will take the arguments into consideration and issue a ruling the next week.
• Josh Okland issues a public statement on Facebook following a court hearing related to bond reduction in the case against Kristin Elizabeth Ramsey. Source
• He describes the prior weeks as “turbulent” following the arrest in his sister’s case and the initial press conference announcing the charges.
• A hearing is held addressing bond reduction and additional matters.
• Family members and supporters attend both in person and remotely.
• Okland expresses gratitude for continued support from family, friends, and the community.
• He states the family will continue pursuing justice and asks for privacy for both the Okland family and the defendant’s family.

April 13, 2026

• Defense filed First Motion for Production of Discovery, requesting broad materials including all statements by Ramsey, investigative files on all suspects/leads/tips (2011–present), details on lost/destroyed evidence, autopsy/ballistics/cellphone data, witness records, alternative suspect clearances, etc. (citing Brady, etc.).

April 14, 2026

• Defense filed additional motion claiming the state informed them that some evidence has been lost or destroyed since 2011. They continued to challenge the timeline precision and evidentiary basis.

April 16, 2026:

• Judge reduced bond to $500,000 (cash/surety). Ramsey was released from Dallas County Jail on conditions including house arrest, GPS/ankle monitoring, and no firearms. Case remains in pretrial/discovery phase; status hearings pending.
• Conditions for Ramsey’s release include 24/7 GPS monitoring, abstaining from all controlled substances not legally prescribed to her, confinement by house arrest and other conditions. Any firearms will be removed from the Ramsey home before she is allowed to return there. She is only allowed to leave her home to attend meetings with her attorneys and court hearings, or for medical and dental appointments. She is also not allowed to apply for a passport.

June 19, 2026

• A trial status conference is scheduled for this date.

Jan. 11, 2027

• The jury trial is scheduled for this date.

Key Ongoing Context

• Motive: Never publicly detailed by prosecutors.
• Evidence: Prosecution relies heavily on the single eyewitness placing Ramsey at the scene immediately after the shots and her prior inconsistent statements. Defense highlights the complete lack of forensic/digital/physical links and potential evidentiary issues.
• Investigation Scale: Hundreds of leads, 500+ interviews, extensive database yet cold for 15 years until the 2026 grand jury action.
• Current Status: Pretrial; Ramsey out on bond with restrictions. No trial date finalized.

Employment Background and Arrest Context

• At the time Ashley Okland was killed on April 8, 2011, Kristin Elizabeth Ramsey worked for Rottlund Homes as:
• Administrative assistant
• Sales manager
• Rottlund Homes was the developer of the townhome where Okland was murdered.
• Ramsey’s employment history was reflected on LinkedIn and confirmed by a source familiar with her background.
• More recently, Ramsey had been employed by Midland Title & Escrow, which is affiliated with Iowa Realty, the same company where Okland worked at the time of her death.
• Ramsey’s husband has owned a construction business since the 1990s. In 2006, the couple purchased a vacant lot next to their home for $8,000, built a 1,225-square-foot house on the property, and sold it for $147,400 the following year.

In a separate motion, her attorneys are also attempting to block a potential warrant that would allow investigators to seize and search her cell phone and other electronic devices. The defense argues that searching devices that did not even exist at the time of the alleged crime 15 years ago would be unnecessary. If the warrant is granted, they are asking the court to issue a protective order to safeguard any privileged or confidential information.

• Ramsey is scheduled to appear in court again on March 30, 2026, when a judge is expected to rule on both defense motions.

Full news conference following arrest in Ashley Okland’s 2011 murder

Report: Woman Who found Ashley Okland disappeared 

Kristin Elizabeth Ramsey

Kristin Elizabeth Ramsey is an Iowa woman charged in 2026 with first-degree murder in connection with the 2011 killing of realtor Ashley Okland. Her arrest came nearly fifteen years after the case had gone cold, marking a major development in one of Iowa’s most closely followed unsolved homicides. Ramsey has pleaded not guilty and maintains her innocence.

Key facts

• Full name: Kristin Elizabeth Ramsey
• Age at arrest: 53
• Residence: Woodward, Iowa
• Charge: First-degree murder (March 2026)
• Bond: $2 million cash-only

Allegations and arrest

• Authorities allege that Ramsey fatally shot 27-year-old realtor Ashley Okland on April 8, 2011, while Okland was hosting an open house in a model townhome in West Des Moines.
• Okland was found shot twice at close range.
• Ramsey, then an administrative assistant and sales manager for the homebuilder Rottlund Homes developer of the property was indicted by a Dallas County grand jury in March 2026 after new evidence surfaced following years of investigation .

Evidence and witness accounts

• Court filings describe a witness who reportedly saw Ramsey outside the townhome shortly after gunshots were heard, calling a colleague but not 911, and driving away erratically. 
• Investigators also recovered firearms and other items from her residence in both 2011 and 2026. Prosecutors have not publicly disclosed the evidence that led to her recent indictment .

Defense and legal proceedings

• Ramsey’s defense team has argued that key evidence was lost or mishandled over the 15-year span since the murder and that her bond is excessive. She remains held in the Dallas County Jail, pending trial, and has sought to suppress electronic-device searches she says are overly broad .

Context and impact

• The case’s reopening brought renewed attention to persistent efforts by West Des Moines police and to advances in forensic review of long-dormant investigations. For Okland’s family and the Iowa real-estate community, Ramsey’s arrest represents both relief and the beginning of a new judicial process .