Arrest Made in 2011 Cold Case of Realtor Ashley Okland

Why this matters: The arrest provides closure for Okland's family and the real estate community, demonstrating the persistence of law enforcement in solving cold cases. It also highlights the importance of safety measures for real estate agents during open houses.

On April 8, 2011, Ashley Okland, a 27-year-old realtor, was found dead in a model townhouse in West Des Moines, Iowa. She had been shot twice while hosting an open house. The case remained unsolved for nearly 15 years, becoming a cold case that deeply affected the local community and real estate industry.

In March 2026, Kristin Ramsey was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Okland's death. Authorities have not released details about the evidence that led to Ramsey's arrest, citing the ongoing judicial process. The arrest has brought a sense of relief to Okland's family, who had lost hope of finding justice.

Ashley Okland's murder prompted significant changes in safety protocols for real estate agents, particularly during open houses. The tragedy served as a reminder of the potential risks faced by realtors and the need for heightened awareness and security measures.

Ashley Okland was a 27-year-old realtor working for Iowa Realty when she was murdered in 2011.

Kristin Ramsey is the 53-year-old woman who has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Ashley Okland's death. She was an employee of Midland Title & Escrow, affiliated with Iowa Realty.

Ashley Okland was known for her passion for helping children and her involvement in community organizations. A playground for handicapped children was opened in her name in 2014.

What are your thoughts on the arrest in this cold case? How do you think this will impact the real estate community? Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!