Autopsy ruled child’s death a homicide as investigators allege years of abuse involving multiple children inside Smyrna home
SMYRNA, DE — A Delaware father has been charged with murdering his 10-year-old daughter after investigators say a punishment involving a leather belt escalated into a fatal assault, leading to the discovery of additional evidence of abuse involving two other children in the home.
The Delaware State Police announced that 49-year-old Badara Kone of Smyrna has been charged with the murder of his daughter, Fatima Kone, and the continuous abuse of her two brothers following an investigation that began after the child was found dead in her bedroom.
Troopers responded to a residence on Oakwynn Circle at approximately 2 a.m. on May 28 after Fatima was discovered unresponsive inside the home. Due to the circumstances surrounding her death, members of the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit were called to assist with the investigation.
According to investigators, evidence revealed that on May 27, Kone struck Fatima numerous times with a leather belt in what he allegedly described as discipline. During the assault, detectives believe the child fell to the ground and struck her head on a piece of furniture.
Police said Fatima suffered serious physical injuries during the incident.
Following the beating, investigators allege that her siblings helped her to her bedroom, where she remained until she was later found deceased. Authorities said emergency services were not contacted for an extended period of time after the child’s death.
As the investigation unfolded, detectives transported Fatima’s brothers, ages 15 and 11, to a local hospital for wellness evaluations.
According to police, evidence gathered during those examinations supported allegations that both boys had been subjected to ongoing physical abuse.
Before murder charges were filed, Kone was arrested on May 28 and charged with offenses related to the abuse of the two boys. He was charged with:
- Two counts of Continuous Child Abuse Intentionally/Recklessly Engages in Three or More Acts, a felony
- Eight counts of Child Abuse Fourth Degree
Following arraignment on those charges, he was committed to the Delaware Department of Correction on a $17,000 cash bond.
Fatima’s body was transferred to the Delaware Division of Forensic Science for an autopsy.
The medical examiner determined the 10-year-old’s death was a homicide caused by multiple blunt-force injuries.
After reviewing the findings, the Delaware Department of Justice authorized an additional charge on June 1.
Kone was subsequently charged with:
- Murder by Abuse or Neglect Second Degree, a felony
He was arraigned on the homicide charge and remains in custody on a $180,000 cash bond, according to state police.
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Fatima’s death and the allegations involving the other children.
Detectives are asking anyone with information about the case or the Kone family to contact Captain J. Laird at (302) 741-2727 or Detective M. Csapo at (302) 741-2729.
Information can also be submitted through a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333.
The Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and Delaware Victim Center are available 24 hours a day for victims, witnesses, and families affected by violent crime or sudden loss. Assistance is available through the toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461) or by email at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.
Key Points
- Delaware father charged with second-degree murder in death of 10-year-old daughter Fatima Kone
- Investigators allege the child was repeatedly struck with a leather belt before suffering fatal injuries
- Police say evidence uncovered during the investigation revealed ongoing abuse involving two additional children in the home