West Des Moines police have made an arrest in the murder of realtor Ashley Okland nearly 15 years after her death. Kristin Elizabeth Ramsey, 53, of Woodward, is charged with first-degree murder. She has been booked into the Dallas County Jail and is being held on a $2 million cash-only bond. Investigators are remaining tight-lipped about any connection between the two women. Okland, 27, was found dead with two gunshot wounds inside a model townhome where she was holding an open house on April 8, 2011. The case went unsolved for nearly 15 years.
KCCI spoke with Josh Okland, Ashley’s brother, in 2025 around the 14th anniversary of his sister’s death. He expressed how long the time has felt since her passing, reflecting on their last day together. Josh shared fond memories of spending time with his sister the day before her tragic death in 2011. He emphasized their close relationship and expressed pride in her positive impact on others, as well as the playground built in her honor.
The investigation into Ashley Okland’s murder has involved interviews with hundreds of people and over a thousand leads. In 2024, the Iowa Attorney General announced a Cold Case Unit, providing hope to families seeking justice like Josh Okland. A news conference is scheduled at the West Des Moines Police Department to provide updates on the case.
Several articles from the archives highlight the mourning, anticipation, and dedication surrounding Ashley Okland’s case over the years. The community continues to seek answers and support efforts to bring closure to the tragic murder.
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