
Ashley Okland, a 28-year-old real estate agent, was shot and killed during an open house showing in West Des Moines, Iowa in 2011—a case that would remain unsolved for more than a decade and a half.
The murder sent shockwaves through the real estate community and left investigators searching for answers. Despite the passage of years and ongoing investigative efforts, the case grew cold, with few public leads emerging to identify a suspect.
That changed dramatically in March 2026 when authorities made a breakthrough in the investigation. Police arrested Kristin Ramsey, 53, and charged her with Okland's murder. The arrest marked a major development in what had become one of the region's most enduring unsolved homicides.
Details surrounding the connection between Ramsey and Okland remain unclear, as investigators have not released public information about the circumstances that led to the arrest or the evidence supporting the charges. Similarly, the motive behind the killing has not been disclosed.
Ramsey is currently awaiting trial as the case continues through the legal system. The arrest underscores how cold cases can sometimes yield results years or even decades later, often through a combination of persistent investigative work, advances in forensic technology, or new leads that emerge over time.
For Okland's family and those who knew her, the arrest may provide some measure of closure after years of uncertainty. The case also highlights the unique vulnerabilities that real estate professionals face in their work, often meeting strangers in isolated properties during showings.
**Sources:** https://kriminyt.dk/nyheder/15-aar-gammel-mordgaade-opklaret-ejendomsmaegler-draebt-ved-aabent-hus


