Family of woman killed in homicide advocate for mental health

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – A Topeka family is shedding light on mental health issues after their loved one was killed Saturday morning.

“She saved our family,” says Brieanna Burton-Kimple.

Brieanna and her father, Dr. Russell Burton, remember Burton’s fiancée, Diana Bloom.

“She has a big heart and loved everyone and if she could keep that up even a little bit. I just want to be able to thank you for saving my family and saving my dad,” says Brieanna.

Bloom was critically injured Saturday morning at his home in the 200 Block of Northwest Knox, and later died.

Police arrested Burton’s adopted son, 25-year-old Elisha Burton. The family says she suffered from behavioral health issues.

“Yes, Eli was getting help, actively getting help,” says Dr. Burton. “He fit right into the family. Everyone loved Eli, he was loved by the family, everyone considered him his brother.”

Burton says the incident was a total shock.

“My late wife and I specialized in adopting children who were challenging children, so all the children that came to us had some pretty serious challenges, they were in multiple placements in the foster care system and they hadn’t worked out, so they came to our home and the response is that you know you are here and this is your forever home,” says Dr. Burton.

The couple shared a love of blues music and advocacy for the homeless community.

“He spent countless hours handling cases with people, taking them here, taking them there and just, not only was he an amazing person, but he could just talk to you,” says Dr. Burton.

Now the family seeks to raise awareness of behavioral health issues, especially among the homeless community.

And they say they will learn to move on.

“I have forgiven him and we will go see him. If we don’t get to see it today, we’ll go see it tomorrow. We will go visit him. He is still my son,” says Dr. Burton.

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