In the heart of America’s heartland, nestled among the burgeoning suburbs of West Des Moines, Iowa, the tranquility of an early spring day was shattered by a crime that would ripple through the community for years to come. Ashley Okland, a 27-year-old real estate agent known for her radiant smile and boundless energy, became the center of a mystery that remains unsolved to this day. This is the story of April 8, 2011, a day that began with promise but ended in tragedy.
Ashley was the embodiment of ambition and kindness. Her career in real estate wasn’t just about selling homes; it was about helping people find their place in the world. On that fateful Friday, she was doing just that—preparing a model townhouse at 558 Stone Creek Court for viewing, a representation of the dreams and aspirations of countless families.
The Stone Creek Villas, a serene subdivision in the making, promised a future of suburban bliss for its would-be residents. But as the clock neared 2 p.m., the stillness of the afternoon was broken by the sound of gunfire—a commotion that would bring a Rottlund Homes employee running to the model home. Inside, they found a scene that belied the peaceful exterior: Ashley Okland, critically injured, lying on the floor.
The call to 911 was frantic, the arrival of medics swift. Despite their efforts, Ashley was rushed to Iowa Methodist Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries. The news of her death sent shockwaves through the real estate community and beyond, touching the hearts of all who knew her or of her.
“This is a grief being felt very deeply not only in the Iowa Realty family but the real estate family as a whole,” Brennan Buckley, a spokesperson for Iowa Realty, expressed. The company, reeling from the loss, took the unprecedented step of asking its agents to shut down operations and cancel all weekend open houses. It was a gesture of mourning, a pause in the face of inexplicable violence.
The West Des Moines police were quick to respond, launching an investigation that would soon consume countless hours and resources. From the outset, they posited that this was not a random act of violence. “There is no reason to believe this is anything but an isolated incident,” assured Lt. James Barrett. Yet, as days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, the killer remained elusive, and the motive for Ashley’s murder, a vexing mystery.
As news of the murder spread, the local community and the nation watched in horror. The Stone Creek Villas, once a symbol of future happiness for many families, now stands as a grim reminder of the day innocence was lost in West Des Moines. The question of why someone would target Ashley, a woman known for her positivity and trust in others, lingered heavily in the air.
The Search for Answers
In the wake of Ashley Okland’s tragic death, the West Des Moines Police Department embarked on a meticulous investigation that would span years and cross multiple jurisdictions. The quiet community of West Des Moines found itself at the center of an intense search for justice, with Ashley’s vibrant life and untimely death propelling the case into the national spotlight.
The investigation unfolded with urgency. Detectives canvassed the Stone Creek Villas, seeking any clue that might shed light on the perpetrator. Hundreds of leads poured in, from potential sightings of suspicious vehicles to whispers of motives buried in personal vendettas. Each tip, no matter how small, was pursued with the hope that it would unravel the mystery of who had killed Ashley and why.
Public engagement became a crucial aspect of the case. The Polk County Crime Stoppers tip line became a conduit for information, with the community and beyond offering names and theories. Calls mentioned a black SUV, possibly a Cadillac Escalade, seen near the model home where Ashley worked, leading to speculation and numerous vehicle checks. Yet, despite the flood of information, the breakthrough that investigators hoped for remained elusive.
As the investigation stretched from weeks into months, the real estate community and the citizens of West Des Moines rallied in support of Ashley’s family and the ongoing police work. Security measures among realtors tightened, reflecting a newfound caution that contrasted sharply with the openness that had defined the profession. Ashley’s colleagues and friends sought to honor her memory through acts of kindness and charity, embodying the spirit of generosity that Ashley had lived by.
Amidst the search for answers, Ashley’s family remained a pillar of strength. Her mother, Deb Cochran, and her siblings shared stories of Ashley’s warmth, her ambitious nature, and her unwavering kindness. They held onto the belief that Ashley knew her attacker, a theory supported by the absence of any sign of a struggle at the scene. This belief, rooted in the understanding of Ashley’s trusting and friendly nature, guided their hope that justice would eventually be served.
The community’s response was a testament to the impact of Ashley’s life. A reward for information leading to an arrest grew to an unprecedented $150,000, reflecting the collective desire for closure and justice. Billboards and flyers dotted the landscape, each bearing Ashley’s smiling face and the promise of a reward for information that could solve the puzzle of her death.
Throughout the exhaustive investigation, the West Des Moines police remained committed, with detectives dedicating countless hours to following leads and interviewing potential witnesses. The case amassed a complex web of information, from over 600 leads to discussions with more than 400 individuals. The painstaking work of piecing together Ashley’s final moments continued, a slow and methodical challenge against the shadow of uncertainty that hung over the case.
Legacy and Unanswered Questions
Years have passed since the tragic day Ashley Okland was taken from her community, her laughter silenced in an act of violence that remains unsolved. Yet, despite the passage of time and the absence of closure, Ashley’s spirit endures, woven into the fabric of the lives she touched and the community she loved. Her legacy, far from being overshadowed by her untimely death, has blossomed in acts of kindness and initiatives that reflect her vibrant life and generous heart.
The search for Ashley’s killer has never waned, with the West Des Moines Police Department tirelessly working through leads and revisiting evidence with fresh eyes. Advances in forensic technology have provided new avenues of investigation, offering a glimmer of hope that justice may yet be served.
The immense reward, which grew to $150,000 through contributions from across the nation, stands as a beacon for those who might hold the key to unraveling this mystery. It is a call to action, a plea for anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it might seem, to come forward. The unity and strength displayed by the community, rallying around the Okland family and the memory of Ashley, underscore the collective desire for answers and accountability.
Amidst the quest for justice, Ashley’s vibrant personality and altruistic nature continue to inspire. The Ashley Okland Star Playground, a project funded by donations from the Iowa Association of Realtors and the community, serves as a living tribute to her spirit. Situated in Des Moines’ Ewing Park, the playground is the first in the metro area designed to be fully inclusive, welcoming children of all abilities to play, laugh, and find joy—a mirror of Ashley’s own approach to life.
This playground, more than just a place for fun, stands as a symbol of Ashley’s enduring impact. It represents the joy she brought to those around her and her belief in a world where everyone is included and valued. Friends, family, and even those who never knew Ashley personally have found solace and purpose in contributing to the playground, ensuring that her legacy is one of love, acceptance, and community.
The unsolved case of Ashley Okland remains a wound in the heart of Des Moines, a reminder of the fragility of life and the shadow that violence casts. Yet, in the face of such darkness, the light of Ashley’s legacy shines brightly, guiding the way toward healing and hope. Her life, though cut tragically short, continues to inspire a vision of a more inclusive, joyful, and compassionate world. As the search for answers goes on, so too does the work of building that world, a fitting tribute to a woman whose life was a beacon of hope and whose memory continues to inspire.
Deep Lore 