Iowa Murder Suspect Released After 15 Years, Judge Lowers Bond

An Iowa murder suspect, who was charged in the cold case of the killing of a realtor 15 years ago, has been released from jail. Her attorneys defended the suspect, citing her as an upstanding citizen with no previous criminal record.

Kristin Ramsey is the 53-year-old accused who was convicted of fatally shooting the 27-year-old real estate agent, Ashley Okland, during an open house in 2011.

She has now been released from Dallas County Jail on a bond of $500,000. The presiding judge has reduced her bail from $2 Million to $500,000, after an appeal from Ramsey and her lawyers.

Ramsey had earlier requested the court to reduce her bond. Her lawyers claimed she has strong ties to the community and no criminal record. They also said she has lived in the area for years and has a credible work history.

According to KCCI, Judge Coleman McAllister agreed to the appeal. In a court filing, the judge stated, "It is true that Defendant has no criminal record." He added, "Nor has the Court been presented with any claim that Defendant has a history of acting out violently other than the allegations made in this case.”

The court also considered Ramsey’s long residency in the area. The investigation into Okland’s death has been ongoing for 15 years.

"After considering Defendant's strong community and family ties, her history of stable employment, and that she has remained in the area over the past 15 years while the investigation proceeded, the Court determines while there remains a risk that Defendant may flee to avoid prosecution if released on bail, that risk is relatively moderate in the Court's estimation," the court filing additionally stated.

However, the judge also pointed out that there is some concern that she could flee.

As part of her release, Ramsey will have to abide by strict conditions. She will remain under house arrest, for starters. Also, she will wear a GPS monitor to track her movements, and any firearms in her home must be removed. Moreover, she is only allowed to have meetings with her attorneys and attend court hearings, or for medical and dental appointments. She is also not eligible to apply for a passport.

It is important to notice that Ramsey’s release marked a major turning point in the timeline of Ashley Okland’s death in 2011. Prosecutors have not said if they opposed the bond reduction.

Nevertheless, a trial status conference is scheduled for June 19, 2026, and a jury trial is scheduled for next year, January 11.