Kim Adams has been living a nightmare. Her son, Devon, 27, was on his lunch break in a Fridley parking lot when he was murdered by a stranger in March of 2023.
Court documents say Devon watched Johnson Sirleaf beating his girlfriend in a vehicle. Devon walked up to help the woman, and that’s when Sirleaf shot and killed him.
Alpha News first spoke to Kim Adams about Sirleaf’s long criminal record in August 2024. At the time of the shooting, Sirleaf’s record included several felonies, but he was let out on zero bail four months before he killed Devon.
Adams questioned Minnesota’s so-called justice system back then and joined Liz Collin on her podcast this week to talk about the Minnesota Crime Victims Reimbursement Program (formerly known as the Crime Victims Reparations Program).
The program aims “to reduce the economic impact of violent crime on victims and their families by providing direct financial assistance.”
Adams explained the situation after her son was murdered. “From the year prior to Devon being killed and then the next year, I was short $27,000. Of course, that is not what they paid me. Initially, I got a check for $1,461 and at that point I was told that I would not be getting any more money. That took me six months just to get that. I have over 75 emails back and forth throughout the last year and a half trying to get what I feel like is fair,” she said.
Adams further explained, “I was completely offended by the fact that they are not treating people who are victims of crime and that we have to fight so hard.”
“But it’s so emotionally and physically draining to constantly have to be on top of them and be on top of them and be on top of them. And a lot of times people just say, ‘Never mind, never mind, it’s too much.’ And it really is too much. They put us through a lot of hoops and a lot of paystubs and going back and forth. It’s really been super insulting, actually.”
Due to her ongoing persistence, Adams received $7,391.75 as of October 2024.
When asked about Adams’ experience, Alpha News received the following response from Gina Washington, Crime Victims Reimbursement program director:
“The Minnesota Crime Victims Reimbursement Board sympathizes with the pain and challenges faced by victims of violent crime and their families. We know that navigating the aftermath of such tragedies can be overwhelming, and we are committed to offering support and financial assistance to ease some of the burdens they endure.
We understand the significant challenges victims and their families face and strive to process claims as quickly and thoroughly as possible, understanding the critical role this support plays in helping families recover. We remain committed to providing compassionate and responsive service to all who seek assistance.
While we cannot speak to specific requests or cases due to privacy issues, applicants are encouraged to contact the office directly if they have questions about their application status or need assistance with additional documentation.
There is more about the program on our website as well.”
As part of her quest for help, Adams met with Attorney General Keith Ellison.
“I think that he was empathetic. I felt that I was heard. However, I didn’t go there to be heard. I went there for action and some help. However, that was very minimal,” she said.
“I asked Keith Ellison how it could be that we can just give away $27 million to one family and my son doesn’t get anything. My son was white and he saved a black woman’s life and nobody really cares and they’re not really helping me at all. I feel like there’s a lot of injustice and some bad decision-making throughout our administration in Minnesota and it needs to stop,” Adams said.
Adams also met with other moms who unfortunately found themselves in similar situations, as the murder rate in Minnesota has climbed 50% since 2019.
There is a fund set up to help Kim Adams and her family.
Liz Collin
Liz Collin has been a truth-teller for 20 years as a multi-Emmy-Award-winning reporter and anchor. Liz is a Worthington, Minnesota native who lives in the suburbs with her husband, son and loyal lab.
