Ashley Okland Case: Defense drops bombshell claim that key evidence is missing or destroyed

DALLAS COUNTY, Iowa (WHO) — The attorney for the Dallas County woman accused in the 2011 murder of Ashley Okland alleges evidence connected to the former cold case is missing.

West Des Moines police said the 27-year-old realtor was shot twice and killed in a model townhome on April 8, 2011. Last month, 53-year-old Kristin Ramsey was arrested after a grand jury indicted her on first-degree murder charges. She appeared in court on Friday seeking to have her $2-million cash-only bond reduced. The judge has yet to rule on the motion.

This week, Ramsey’s attorney filed a motion seeking evidence from prosecutors. It reads in part, “The State has informed the defense law enforcement has either lost or destroyed evidence, case information, or both since Ms. Okland’s death.”

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The defense is requesting a record of any evidence that was lost, how it was lost, and the efforts taken to locate it.

First Motion to ProduceDownload

Additionally, her legal team is asking for the following evidence, among other information, in an effort to build her defense:

  • Any statements Ramsey made (written, recorded, oral)
  • All physical evidence the state plans to use
  • Names of informants or witnesses
  • The full investigative history of the case, including all tips, leads, and suspects over 15 years
  • Documents showing other suspects and why they were cleared
  • Any records that specifically clear Ramsey

Court filings and Friday’s extended hearing offer an early indication of how the case may unfold, though proceedings are still in the initial stages.

During the hearing, prosecutors said they expect a lengthy discovery process and have already begun disputing the scope of a cell phone data warrant…

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