A Delaware man has been charged with murder after authorities say his 10-year-old daughter died following an alleged beating at their Smyrna home.
Father Charged in Daughter’s Death
Badara Kone, 49, was arrested after police responded to a home in Smyrna around 2 a.m. on May 28 and found 10-year-old Fatima Kone dead in her bedroom.
According to Delaware State Police, investigators believe Kone struck Fatima multiple times with a leather belt as a form of discipline.
Child Suffered Fatal Injuries
Authorities said Fatima allegedly fell during the incident and struck her head on a piece of furniture.
Police reported that her siblings later helped move her to her bedroom, where she was eventually found dead.
Investigators also stated that emergency services were not contacted immediately after the incident.
Additional Abuse Allegations
During the investigation, Fatima’s two brothers, ages 11 and 15, were taken to a hospital for evaluations.
Detectives said evidence gathered during the case indicated the children had been subjected to ongoing physical abuse.
Murder Charge Added
Initially, Kone was charged with multiple child abuse offenses.
After an autopsy determined that Fatima’s death was a homicide caused by multiple blunt-force injuries, prosecutors added a charge of murder by abuse or neglect.
Kone remains in custody on a $180,000 cash bond while the case proceeds through the court system.
