Police Solve 15-Year-Old Realtor Murder Cold Case
Iowa authorities have arrested a suspect in the nearly 15-year-old killing of realtor Ashley Okland. Kristin Elizabeth Ramsey, 53, of Woodward, faces a first-degree murder charge. Officials announced the arrest after an indictment from a Dallas County grand jury.
Arrest and charges
Ramsey was taken into custody on March 17, 2026. She is jailed in Dallas County on a $2 million cash bond. Prosecutors charged her with first-degree murder in West Des Moines.
Case background
The victim, 27-year-old Ashley Okland, was found on April 8, 2011. She was discovered inside a model townhome where she had been holding an open house. Authorities said she suffered two gunshot wounds.
An employee in the housing complex heard a commotion. That worker entered the unit, found Okland and called 911. At the time, Ramsey worked for Rottlund Homes as an administrative assistant and sales manager. Rottlund Homes had developed the townhome complex.
Investigation and evidence
The case remained unsolved for almost 15 years. Investigators reviewed hundreds of leads during the early years. On the four-year anniversary of the death, authorities reported about 900 leads had been checked. They also said almost 500 people were interviewed.
Officials have not disclosed what new information led to the indictment and arrest. West Des Moines police described the arrest as a significant investigative development. Many in the community followed the case closely over the years.
Keywords and breakthrough
Investigators hailed the development as a long-awaited breakthrough. The news has been described online with the keyword phrase Police Solve 15-Year-Old Realtor Murder Cold Case. Local officials say they continue to pursue all remaining questions in the file.
Family reaction
Okland’s brother publicly thanked detectives and prosecutors for their work. His sister said the family had nearly lost hope after years without answers. She expressed gratitude for the renewed attention to the case.
Next steps
Ramsey will face further court proceedings in Dallas County. Details about the evidence to be presented have not been released. The West Des Moines Police Department did not immediately reply to a request for comment to Filmogaz.com.
- Victim: Ashley Okland, 27
- Suspect: Kristin Elizabeth Ramsey, 53
- Date of death discovery: April 8, 2011
- Arrest date: March 17, 2026
- Bond: $2 million cash
- Leads investigated by year four: ~900
- People interviewed by year four: ~500
