Kristin Ramsey Pleads Not Guilty in 2011 Iowa Realtor Killing

Kristin Ramsey, 53, pleaded not guilty Friday in Dallas County District Court to charges of first-degree murder in connection with the 2011 killing of Ashley Okland, a 27-year-old real estate agent found dead during an open house in West Des Moines, Iowa. The plea comes nearly fifteen years after Okland’s death, which prompted significant changes in real estate agent safety practices nationwide.

According to court filings, Okland was discovered unresponsive on April 8, 2011, at a model townhome where she was working for Iowa Realty. Prosecutors allege that a neighbor saw Ramsey, who also worked in real estate and was associated with Rottlund Homes of Iowa—the owner of the property—outside the residence shortly after two 'thuds' were heard from an adjoining unit. The witness, who called 911, reported seeing Ramsey pacing by her car and speaking on her cellphone before leaving, only to return about 15 minutes later.

Details on what prompted the recent indictment remain limited. Prosecutors have not disclosed any new evidence or outlined a motive, and much of the grand jury proceedings remain sealed. In filings opposing Ramsey’s motion to reduce her $2 million bail, prosecutors recounted the witness observations but have not presented a weapon, ballistic evidence, or DNA to the grand jury. Ramsey’s defense team argued in court that the evidence presented was selective and incomplete.

The case has revived painful memories for Okland’s family and the greater Des Moines real estate community, which responded to her killing by implementing stronger industry safety standards now used nationwide. Colleagues, including Des Moines Area Association of Realtors president Scott Steelman, noted the tragedy's lasting impact, saying the incident spurred nationwide changes in how agents interact with the public, including new vetting practices.

At Friday’s hearing, Ramsey was supported in court by close family and represented by private defense counsel. Her attorneys highlighted her lifelong ties to the region and challenged the prosecution's case.

The court has scheduled Ramsey’s trial to begin in January. Prosecutors continue to withhold further details pending the ongoing proceedings, and Ramsey remains in custody while awaiting trial.