SMYRNA, DE — A Smyrna man is facing homicide and child abuse charges after investigators alleged he abused three children, including a 10-year-old girl whose death was later ruled a homicide.
According to Delaware State Police, troopers responded to a residence on Oakwynn Circle at approximately 2 a.m. on May 28 after receiving a report of an unresponsive child. Responding officers found 10-year-old Fatima Kone deceased in a bedroom and requested assistance from the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit.
Investigators allege that on May 27, 49-year-old Badara Kone struck Fatima multiple times with a leather belt as a form of discipline, causing serious physical injuries. Police further allege that during the incident the child fell and struck her head on a piece of furniture.
According to investigators, Fatima’s siblings assisted her to her bedroom following the alleged assault. Police said she was later found dead and that emergency services were not contacted for an extended period of time.
During the investigation, authorities transported two male children, ages 15 and 11, to a local hospital for wellness evaluations. Detectives reported obtaining evidence that allegedly indicated the children had been subjected to ongoing physical abuse.
Police charged Badara Kone on May 28 with two felony counts of continuous child abuse involving three or more acts and eight counts of fourth-degree child abuse related to the two boys. According to court records, he was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to the Delaware Department of Correction on $17,000 cash bail.
State police said Fatima’s body was examined by the Delaware Division of Forensic Science. Authorities reported that an autopsy determined the cause of death was multiple blunt-force injuries and classified the manner of death as homicide.
According to investigators, the Delaware Department of Justice authorized an additional charge of second-degree murder by abuse or neglect on June 1. Police said a warrant was approved, Kone was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 2, and he remained in custody on $180,000 cash bail.
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit continues to investigate. Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact Captain J. Laird at 302-741-2727 or Detective M. Csapo at 302-741-2729. Tips may also be submitted through Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-847-3333.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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