Woman Charged 15 Years After Realtor Was Killed During Open House Showing

In a significant development, authorities in Iowa have announced an arrest in connection with the tragic murder of realtor Ashley Okland, who was shot while showing a model home in West Des Moines in April 2011. Nearly 15 years after the crime, Kristin Ramsey, a 53-year-old woman, has been charged with first-degree murder.

On April 8, 2011, Ashley Okland was conducting a showing of a townhouse in a new development area. Eyewitness reports indicate that a Rottlund Homes employee, involved with the construction of the property, heard a disturbance emanating from inside the model home. Disturbed by the noise, she entered the townhouse to investigate, only to find Okland lying on the floor with severe injuries. Emergency services were promptly contacted, but despite efforts to save her, Okland succumbed to her injuries at a local hospital shortly after arrival.

The investigation into Okland’s death has lingered for years, with law enforcement exhausting various leads. The breakthrough in the case was revealed during a press conference held on March 18, 2026. Jody Hayes, Assistant Chief of the West Des Moines Police Department, expressed the profound impact the case has had on both the community and the investigators. He remarked on how it has kept many awake at night, contemplating the circumstances surrounding Okland’s untimely demise.

At the same press conference, Okland’s family members shared their emotional burden over the years. Her sister, Brittany Bruce, reflected on how the prolonged period of uncertainty had severely affected their hope for justice. “We had lost our hopes in finding answers and having any justice for Ashley. It was really difficult to accept the case had gone cold,” she stated.

Brittany, accompanied by their brother Josh Okland at the briefing, revealed that the family had often thought about the day Ashley was taken from them. Josh added, “Today is the day my family has thought about very often in the last 14 years.” Their statements underscored the emotional toll of the unsolved murder and the longing for resolution.

As for the motive behind the killing, police have not disclosed any details, leaving both the community and Okland’s relatives in the dark. Authorities have, however, pointed out that Kristin Ramsey was working as a sales manager at Rottlund Homes at the time of the shooting. Her LinkedIn profile, where she is listed as Krissy Ramsey, aligns with her professional history in real estate, raising questions about her possible connections to Okland.

Despite the arrest, specifics regarding Ramsey’s alleged motivations or her relationship with Okland remain unclear. As of now, there has been no public statement regarding Ramsey’s plea or information about legal representation.

The case, notorious for its cold status, has resurfaced in public discourse following the recent developments, reigniting interest in the chilling circumstances of Okland’s murder. Community members, as well as those who followed the story, reflect a collective relief that the investigation has taken a new turn.

With authorities confirming ongoing work associated with the case, there is a palpable sense of anticipation regarding the next steps in the legal process. Many hope that the arrest will lead to more comprehensive explanations about what transpired on that fateful day, providing much-needed closure for Ashley Okland’s family and friends.

As the situation continues to evolve, the case serves as a powerful reminder of unresolved tragedies that can linger in a community’s memory, and the relentless pursuit of justice that often defines such investigations. Police have assured the public that they remain committed to uncovering the full truth behind this harrowing event.