Photo: The Des Moines Register
(Adel, IA ) -- A trial date has been set for the woman accused in the murder of an Iowa realtor 15 years ago.
Dallas County Judge Coleman McAllister scheduled the trial for Kristin Ramsey for January 11, 2027 at a hearing held Friday at the Dallas County Courthouse. He also accepted her not guilty plea to a charge of murder.
The 53-year old is accused of shooting 27-year old Ashley Okland during an open house at a West Des Moines townhouse in 2011.
Ramsey has been held in the Dallas County Jail on a $2 million dollar cash bond since her arrest in March.
Defense attorneys submitted 72 pages of letters of support on Ramsey's behalf and asked the court to lower her bond. They presented three character witnesses; a former classmate, a former neighbor and her mother.
Defense attorney Al Parrish argued Ramsey was not a threat to the community, wasn't a flight risk and had strong family ties. Ramsey's husband, son, parents and grandfather were in the courtroom. Parrish also told the court the evidence against Ramsey was insufficient.
The siblings of Ashley Okland were also present at the hearing. Prosecutors argued the nature and circumstances surrounding the crime makes Ramsey more of a flight risk and asked the bond be kept the same. They contend the defense hasn't seen all the evidence in the case.
Court documents released Thursday say an eyewitness saw Ramsey near the scene of the crime the day of the shooting.
Ramsey was indicted by a Dallas County Grand Jury after her arrest.
Judge McAllister said he would issue a written ruling on the bond request by April 15, 2026.
The case has gained national attention and changed the way realtors show properties across the state of Iowa.