True Crime Garage // Episode 917

"Ashley Okland"

Release Date: March 31, 2026
Hosts: Nic & The Captain

Episode Overview

In this gripping episode, Nic and the Captain revisit the chilling, long-unsolved murder of Ashley Okland — a 27-year-old real estate agent shot dead at an open house in West Des Moines, Iowa, in April 2011. The story is a haunting tale of workplace vulnerability and unresolved grief within the real estate community. The episode takes a shocking turn as the hosts report a major update: an arrest in the case, made just days before recording, after 15 years of mystery. The Garage reflects on the history, stumbles through the investigation, and speculates on the recent breakthrough while maintaining their signature thoughtful, banter-filled tone.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Real Estate Agent Risks and the Setup of the Case

• Recurring Vulnerability: Hosts cite statistics emphasizing that real estate agents often work alone with strangers in empty properties, thus being at higher risk for violent crime.
  • “Professionalism requires warmth and trust. The environment can look normal right up until it isn’t.” – Nic (08:00)
• Case is compared with similar tragedies (e.g., Beverly Carter in Arkansas).
• Ashley’s murder happened in broad daylight, in a quiet, upscale neighborhood — which adds to the shock.

Timestamp: 04:03–09:48

2. Who Was Ashley Okland?

• Roots and Character: Born in Iowa, active in sports, community, and described as a positive, trusting, and deeply caring person.
  • "She was the kind of person who made other people feel included. To friends and family, she is and always will be Ash." – Nic (11:42)
• Career: Rapidly ascending in real estate, beloved by clients and colleagues.
• Personal life: In a relationship, "always moving… loving to plan events and gatherings." (11:42)

Timestamp: 09:59–13:35

3. The Murder & Scene Details

• Timeline: April 8, 2011, Ashley hosts an open house at a model townhome (558 Stone Creek Court).
• Discovery: Coworker Wanda Fowler hears a commotion, finds Ashley unconscious and bleeding.
• Medical Response: Ashley dies at the hospital; determined to have been shot twice (head and chest), with no signs of struggle, theft, or sexual assault.
  • “No signs of a struggle. No evidence of a theft. No indication of sexual assault. No clear motive.” – Nic (13:40)
• Speculation: Real estate open houses often have unlocked doors; any stranger could walk in.
• Investigative Directions: Did the killer target Ashley, the company, or was random? Were others present?

Timestamp: 13:35–18:18

4. Aftermath & Investigation

• Immediate Reaction: The realty companies shut down open houses in fear and grief.
• Community Impact: “You have an entire slice of an industry stopping to acknowledge something nobody wanted to believe could happen.” – Nic (18:18)
• Investigation: Hundreds of tips, interviews, and a large reward announced — but no clear leads.
  • “Authorities said there is no reason to believe the shooting was anything other than an isolated incident.” – Nic (15:34)
• Leads: A “scruffy man” matching Ashley’s age spotted in area; a black SUV (possibly Cadillac Escalade) seen near the crime scene (23:00).
• Challenges: Few eyewitnesses due to daytime, workweek timing, and many unsold or vacant homes in the area.

Timestamp: 18:18–26:02

5. Psychological Toll & Unfolding Investigation

• Witness Trauma: Wanda Fowler (who found Ashley) later has a personal crisis; her actions and timing adding to the complexity and tension, though no connection found (28:00).
• Suspect Turnover: A man, Joseph Curse, once interviewed as a suspect, later dies by suicide. His involvement is ultimately unclear and disputed by police/family (32:38–36:17).
• Family Theories: Ashley’s mother speculates her daughter knew her killer, as there was no struggle and her final text — just before the murder — was perfectly normal.

Timestamp: 26:32–37:10

6. Stalling Out: Years Without Answers

• By 2012, reward increases; the crime scene townhome remains unsold, acting as a chilling landmark (38:59).
• In 2014, the Ashley Okland Star Playground is created in Ashley’s honor, providing inclusive play opportunities for children — a silver lining testament to her memory (39:00).
• Comparison to Beverly Carter Case: Arkansas realtor murdered in 2014 by a client, her case is quickly solved, contrasting sharply with Ashley’s unsolved status for years.

Timestamp: 38:59–42:51

7. New Resources, New Hopes

• Cold Case Unit: Iowa forms a specialized cold case squad in 2024; Ashley’s brother is present at its announcement, hoping for breakthroughs. (43:54)
• Glints of Hope: Hosts note that an older cold case (Barbara Lenz) is solved 36 years later, fueling hope for the Okland family.
  • “It’s proof that stalled cases can change when resources and focus change.” – Nic (45:53)

Timestamp: 43:54–46:38

8. BREAKING: The Arrest of Kristen Elizabeth Ramsey

• Major Update: The show pivots to report a bombshell arrest. Kristen Elizabeth Ramsey, age 53, arrested and charged with Ashley’s murder — just days before this episode's recording (March 17, 2026).
  • “After nearly 15 years, we finally get an arrest in the case.” – Nic (47:10)
• Ramsey’s Background: She was a sales manager for Rutland Homes — the company that built and sold the townhome where Ashley was killed. She was present in the same community, attended Ashley’s funeral, and described by her boss as “the nicest lady… I am totally shocked.” (56:37)
• No Motive or Details: Police have not released the evidence or motive. Grand jury indictment was used to arrest her; bond set at $2 million cash-only.
• Legal Process: Ramsey pleads for reduced bond and attempts to block warrants to search her current electronic devices, arguing they didn’t exist at the time of the crime.

Timestamp: 46:38–62:59

9. Open Questions & Host Speculation

• The hosts express concern that the case, even after the arrest, remains shrouded in mystery:
  • “I just worry that there’s not a lot of evidence… they still have to build a case.” – Nic (53:00)
  • “To get an indictment in a grand jury trial, it’s a lot easier than an actual trial to get a conviction.” – Captain (58:00)
• They wonder aloud about a possible motive, on what information led to the arrest, and whether others could have been involved, especially as police clarify they do not anticipate further arrests.
• They question whether the “scruffy man” theory, the SUV sightings, or the trauma among witnesses (like Wanda) relate to Ramsey’s arrest, but acknowledge that key details remain under wraps with trial pending.

Timestamp: 62:59–63:54

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the randomness of violence in safe spaces:
  • “It unfolded in the kind of setting that many people instinctively categorize as safe.” – Nic (08:20)
• On the pain of an unsolved case:
  • “All that stuff coming in just seems to pile up to nothing." – Captain (38:02)
• When news breaks about Ramsey’s arrest:
  • “This is just like 10 days ago.” – Captain (46:38)
  • “After nearly 15 years, we finally get an arrest in the case.” – Nic (47:10)
• On the community’s heartbreak:
  • “It became a sad, fixed reminder. It's a landmark of unease.” – Nic (38:59)
• On legal strategy following a cold case arrest:
  • “If I were Ramsey, I want this thing in front of a judge… I don’t want another jury to point the finger at me.” – Nic (58:32)

Timeline of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | 04:03–09:48 | Case introduction, comparison with other realtor cases | | 09:59–11:42 | Ashley's life, character, and personal history | | 13:35–15:34 | Discovery of crime, medical findings, initial confusion | | 15:34–18:18 | Open house vulnerabilities, early investigation directions | | 18:18–23:03 | Community fear, investigative scope, emergence of tips | | 28:00–29:35 | Witness (Wanda Fowler) trauma and aftermath | | 32:38–36:17 | Scrutinized suspect (Joseph Curse) dies by suicide | | 38:59–42:51 | Playground memorial, Beverly Carter case juxtaposed | | 43:54–46:38 | Iowa Cold Case Unit, new optimism in old cases | | 46:38–58:00 | Breaking news: arrest of Kristen Elizabeth Ramsey | | 58:00–63:54 | Legal maneuvering, speculation, and questions moving ahead |

Tone, Style, and Takeaways

The hosts approach the tragedy with empathy, curiosity, and some signature dry humor between heavy stretches:

• “Sounds like something a beer company would use to promote something. The Cold Case package.” – Captain (44:34)
• They refrain from wild theorizing, instead pausing on the uncertainty that remains — and inviting listeners to stay tuned for trial developments.
• The show closes with updates on the upcoming court appearance and a recommended true crime book, reinforcing the continuity of the community’s interest in justice and closure.

Final Thoughts

This episode is an atmospheric, deeply-researched journey through the Ashley Okland case — a testament to the dangers faced by realtors, the frustration of stalled investigations, and the bittersweet hope ignited when an arrest is finally made after years of communal grief. Nic and the Captain balance somber storytelling with moments of empathy and humor, honoring Ashley’s memory and the ongoing fight for answers.

For further updates on this case, listeners are encouraged to check True Crime Garage’s social media and subscription content, as breaking news and trial developments are expected.

Recommended Reading (announced at 64:20):
Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy: Defending America’s Most Evil Serial Killer on Death Row by Karen Conti.