Iowa authorities have charged Kristin Elizabeth Ramsey, 53, with first-degree murder in the 2011 killing of realtor Ashley Okland, nearly 15 years after the case went cold. Ramsey was arrested in West Des Moines and is held on a $2 million cash bond following an indictment by a Dallas County grand jury.
Details of the Crime and Investigation
Ashley Okland, 27, was found shot twice inside a model townhome in West Des Moines on April 8, 2011, where she was hosting an open house. The crime scene was discovered after an employee at the complex heard a disturbance and found Okland on the floor before calling 911. Ramsey, who worked at the time as an administrative assistant and sales manager for Rottlund Homes—the developer of the townhome—became the suspect in the case after years of investigation.
Authorities revealed that in the first four years following the murder, nearly 900 leads were pursued and approximately 500 people interviewed. Details on the evidence or new information that led to Ramsey’s arrest have not been disclosed.
Family Response and Next Steps
At a March 18 press conference, Ashley Okland’s brother, Josh Okland, thanked law enforcement for their persistent efforts. “Today is a day my family has thought about very often over the last 14 years,” he said. Their sister Brittany Bruce expressed relief and gratitude toward investigators and prosecutors, stating the family had lost hope for answers before the arrest.
The West Des Moines Police Department has not yet provided additional comments on the case or the arrest.
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