Questions Persist in Case of Real Estate Agent Killed in 2011

A woman charged in the killing of a young real estate agent in Iowa pleaded not guilty Friday, almost 15 years to the day that the death rattled the industry and led to heightened safety practices for agents nationwide. Iowa Realty agent Ashley Okland, 27, was found dead at a model townhome in West Des Moines, where she was hosting an open house April 8, 2011. Her family and friends filled the courtroom for a Friday hearing for Kristin Ramsey, 53, who was arrested last month after an indictment charged her with first-degree murder, reports the AP.

"That Friday afternoon when Ashley was taken from us seems so long ago," Brittany Bruce, Okland's sister told reporters in March. "We had lost our hope in finding answers and having any justice for Ashley." Prosecutors have said little about Ramsey following her March 17 indictment by a grand jury and arrest, withholding information on what they consider to be a potential motive or whether there is new evidence in the case. Court documents filed this week ahead of the arraignment and bond review hearing Friday give limited insight into the grand jury proceedings.

Prosecutors said a neighbor who called 911 reportedly saw Ramsey, who worked with Okland, outside the front door of the model home and pacing by her car while talking on her cellphone before she drove off. State Assistant Attorney General Scott Brown said during the hearing Friday that Ramsey returned 15 minutes later. Ramsey's attorneys said there are gaps in the case prosecutors presented to the grand jury, including by misrepresenting what the witness reported in the 911 call, and attorney Alfredo Parrish said the grand jury even pushed back. "You don't wait 15 years and then say: 'OK, let's make a go of it,'" Parrish said. The trial is set to begin next January.