Iowa Mom Arrested for 15-Year-Old Cold Case Murder

Kristin Ramsey, 53, a resident of Woodward, Iowa, was arrested last month for the first-degree murder of realtor Ashley Okland. Okland was killed in a West Des Moines show home in April 2011. Ramsey, who denies all allegations, is currently seeking a reduction in her $2 million bail. A judge is expected to rule on this request by the middle of this week. Prosecutors allege that Ramsey is a threat to her community and have presented new filings detailing the events of Okland's death.

Ramsey's attorneys have countered by highlighting potential flaws in the prosecution's case. They noted that a key witness who called 911 attempted suicide two weeks after the murder, and a male coworker of Okland's died by suicide two months later. The defense argues there is insufficient evidence to indict Ramsey for a murder that occurred 15 years ago. The only known link between Ramsey and Okland is through their employment at Rottlund Homes, where Okland was showing a property and Ramsey worked as a sales manager.

Prosecutors claim Ramsey provided conflicting accounts of her whereabouts on the day of the murder and that her statements contradicted other witnesses. A search of Ramsey's home allegedly uncovered firearms, illegal substances, and violent posters. The defense emphasizes Ramsey's role as a devoted mother and wife, a pillar of her rural community, and presents her as a contented family woman with no motive for the crime.