Iowa — New court documents have revealed critical witness testimony in the 2011 cold case murder of real estate agent Ashley Okland, placing the accused suspect at the scene shortly after the fatal shooting.
According to prosecutors, Kristin Ramsey, 53, was seen outside the model townhouse where Ashley Okland was killed on April 8, 2011. Ramsey was arrested last month and now faces a first-degree murder charge in connection with the long-unsolved case.
Witness Account Raises New Questions
A key witness, who was inside a neighboring townhouse at the time, reported hearing two loud noises around 2 p.m., described as “thuds” occurring seconds apart — sounds investigators now believe were gunshots.
Shortly after, the witness allegedly saw Ramsey standing outside the front door of the model home. Moments later, she was observed pacing near her vehicle while talking on her cellphone.
Court filings further state that Ramsey then backed her car out in an “erratic manner” and quickly left the scene.
Concerned that something was wrong, the witness entered the townhouse and discovered Okland unresponsive on the floor. She immediately called emergency services.
Suspicious Return and Conflicting Statements
In a further twist, documents reveal that Ramsey allegedly returned to the area shortly after the witness left the scene.
Investigators have also pointed to inconsistencies in Ramsey’s statements over the years. According to court filings, she provided “conflicting versions” of her whereabouts on the day of the murder — statements that reportedly contradict both her own earlier accounts and witness testimony.
Case Background
Ashley Okland was working alone at a model home in West Des Moines when she was shot twice at close range — once in the chest and once in the face — in what authorities described as a targeted attack.
While a motive has not yet been publicly disclosed, court documents note that the property where the killing occurred was owned by a company for which Ramsey worked as a sales manager at the time.
Legal Proceedings Underway
Ramsey has not yet entered a plea and is scheduled to appear in court for a bail hearing. Her legal team has not publicly commented on the latest allegations.
The case marks a significant development in a murder investigation that remained unsolved for over a decade, bringing renewed attention to one of Iowa’s most haunting cold cases.
