Defense: $2M bond unconstitutional for suspect in Ashley Okland murder
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Attorneys for Kristin "Krissy" Ramsey are asking a Dallas County judge to lower her $2 million cash bond after she was charged in the 2011 killing of West Des Moines realtor Ashley Okland.
Why it matters: The request highlights growing legal pressure on courts to avoid setting bail so high — even in serious cases — that defendants who can't afford to pay are detained unconstitutionally.
Catch up quick: Ramsey, 53, was indicted this week in a nearly 15-year-old cold case.
- Okland, 27, was shot during an open house in West Des Moines.
- Ramsey is being held in the Dallas County Jail.
What they're saying: Ramsey's attorneys, Alfredo Parrish and Brandon Brown, filed a motion Thursday arguing the current amount is excessive and unconstitutional, noting that she has been declared indigent and lacks the financial resources to post bond.
- Ramsey is a low flight risk with deep Iowa ties, steady employment and no criminal history aside from a 2001 traffic ticket, per the motion.
- Being held in jail makes it significantly harder for Ramsey to help prepare her defense, including gathering evidence and working with her legal team, her attorneys argue.
The defense argued the court should lower Ramsey's bond and allow her to be released under strict conditions, including GPS monitoring, a curfew, supervision and passport surrender.
The other side: Prosecutors have not yet publicly responded to the bond request nor have they detailed their evidence.
Zoom in: Thursday's motion offered new details about Ramsey's life that hadn't been widely reported, portraying her as a longtime central Iowa resident with deep family ties — including a husband in Woodward, parents in Johnston and a son attending college in-state.
- At the time of Okland's death, Ramsey worked for the builder of the townhome where Okland was shot and most recently was employed with a title and escrow company, the Register reported.
What's next: A judge will decide whether to modify Ramsey's bond.