I was doing some research early this morning and came across this article. I thought how sad this was and couldn’t help but reflect on how important each of my customers are to me both personally and professionally. I genuinely care about each of them, please be aware of your surroundings at all times. When in doubt ask for someone to be your “co-pilot” on showings or while working open houses. I know this is a fast pace market we are in but remember your safety is more important than a home sale!
Agent Murder Remains Unsolved After 2 Years
Monday, April 8, 2013 — Two year anniversary of Ashley Okland’s death
Two years ago today, Ashley Okland, a 27 year old Realtor with Iowa Realty was fatally shot in the chest and head while working at a model townhome by herself in Des Moines. The investigation shook the community and during the early days of the investigation, open houses were cancelled in the event it could be a serial killer, but even today there are no viable suspects.
Over the weeks, months, and now years, the reward for information leading to an arrest has risen from $10,000 to $150,000, and while the case has taken several odd twists and turns from police initially suspecting it could be another Realtor, to the woman who founder her going missing herself before resurfacing.
Lieutenant Jim Barrett tells one Iowa Radio reporter that their team has followed up on 766 leads and interviewed 380 people. “The fact of where it happened and who it happened to makes the case more difficult,” Barrett says. “From all we know, Ashley Okland was just a good person with no enemies so…that made the case unique in itself.”
Ashley Okland case timeline:
Okland found in the townhouse, police say they don’t need the public’s help, as they believe it to be another Realtor.
Officials ask public to help find “scruffy” young man in black Escalade, autopsy is completed, funeral held, and reward increased.
Four new search warrants issued in the case, police still sought “scruffy” young Realtor.
Woman who found Okland in the home threatens suicide, goes missing, then is discovered, but never considered a suspect.
Man questioned in case was found dead in his car, police classified it as a suicide.
Two years later and many twists and turns, and the Okland family still has no resolve and the police have no solid leads.
Anyone with information concerning the murder of Okland is asked to call Polk County Crime Stoppers at 515-223-1400. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at polkcountycrimestoppers.org or by texting “PCCS” and a message to CRIMES (274637).
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