Iowa Suspect Released in Cold Case Murder of Real Estate Agent

An Iowa woman, charged with the murder of a real estate agent during an open house 15 years ago, has been released from prison. Kristin Ramsey, 53, is accused of killing Ashley Okland in her West Des Moines townhouse on April 8, 2011. Following a bail reduction, she was released from the Dallas County Jail on Thursday, according to court records.

Initially, Ramsey’s bail was set at $2 million after her arrest on March 17, but a judge reduced it to $500,000 earlier this week. She posted $50,000, which is 10% of the new amount, and was released shortly after noon.

During the hearing, Judge Coleman McAllister agreed to the bail reduction. Ramsey’s attorney argued that she has strong community ties and an unblemished criminal record. The judge noted that Ramsey had one traffic ticket 25 years ago but no other criminal history or disciplinary issues while in jail. He mentioned that jail officials expressed no concerns regarding the risk of self-harm.

Furthermore, the judge highlighted that Ramsey had not left the state during the ongoing investigation into Okland’s death, which contributed to the decision to reduce her bail. While acknowledging some risk of flight if released, McAllister considered it to be relatively moderate given her strong connections and stable employment history.

As part of her release, Ramsey will remain under house arrest, monitored by GPS, and her firearms will be confiscated. She was indicted on March 17 for first-degree murder.

Ashley Okland, 27, was discovered with two gunshot wounds in a townhome model unit in West Des Moines and later pronounced dead at a hospital.

Ramsey, who worked as an administrative assistant and sales manager for a local developer, had drawn attention from authorities early on in the investigation due to her presence near the crime scene shortly after the shooting. She has been interviewed by law enforcement multiple times over the years and has provided inconsistent statements regarding her whereabouts that day.