Smyrna Man Charged with Murder of 10-Year-Old Daughter
Investigators say the child died after repeated belt strikes and a fall, and authorities later added a second-degree murder by abuse or neglect charge.
- On June 1, 2026, the Delaware Department of Justice authorized a charge of Murder by Abuse or Neglect Second Degree against 49-year-old Badara Kone for the death of his 10-year-old daughter, Fatima Kone.
- Investigators report that on May 27, 2026, Badara struck Fatima multiple times with a leather belt as a form of "discipline," causing her to fall and hit her head on furniture.
- Medical examinations revealed both boys suffered continuous physical abuse, while siblings assisted Fatima to a bedroom where she was found deceased on May 28, 2026.
- Badara remains in custody of the Delaware Department of Correction on a $180,000 cash bond as the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit continues investigating.
- A vigil is scheduled for Friday evening to mourn Fatima, while officials urge those experiencing domestic violence to contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Delaware Crime News: Father faces multiple charges in daughter’s killing and abuse of two sons
A Smyrna man, Badara Kone, has been arrested for the murder of his 10-year-old daughter, Fatima, and the continuous abuse of two sons. Police found Fatima deceased after a brutal beating with a leather belt. Her siblings, aged 15 and 11, also showed signs of ongoing physical abuse. Kone faces murder and child abuse charges.
Father Charged with Allegedly Killing 10-Year-Old Daughter and Abusing 11-Year-Old and 15-Year-Old Sons
Badara Kone has been charged in connection to the death of his 10-year-old daughter, Fatima Kone. Badara is accused of physically abusing Fatima in their Smyrna, Del., home on May 28. He was also charged with allegedly abusing his 11-year-old and 15-year-old sons.
Smyrna man arrested for murder, child abuse
SMYRNA, Del. – A Smyrna man has been arrested for the murder of his 10-year-old daughter and the continuous child abuse of two additional children. Delaware State Police arrested 49-year-old Badara Kone on charges of murder by abuse or neglect in the second degree, and other child abuse charges. Last Thursday, troopers responded to a residence on Oakwynn Circle in Smyrna where Badara’s daughter, Fatima Kone, was found dead in her bedroom. An inv…
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