UPDATED: DSP Make 2nd Arrest in Death of 10 year old Fatima Kone of Smyrna
Image courtesy DSP
UPDATED – 06/09/26 – A second arrest has been made in the murder of 10 year old Fatima Kone of Smyrna. Delaware State Police learned that the child’s stepmother, 37 year old Adiaratou Coulibaly of Smyrna was involved in the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death and that the abuse continued in other areas of the home by Coulibaly.
The Department of Justice authorized charges against Coulibaly on June 3rd and a warrant was obtained. With help from the US Marshals First State Fugitive Task Force and the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, Coulibaly was arrested in New York City. When she is extradited to Delaware Coulibaly will be charged with 2nd degree murder by abuse or neglect.
The investigation is continuing – anyone with information should contact Captain Laird at 302-741-2727 or Detective Csapo at 302-741-2729 or Crime Stoppers at 800-847-3333.
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UPDATED – 06/02/26 – A Smyrna man has been arrested for the murder of his 10 year old daughter, Fatima Kone. A Delaware State Police preliminary investigation revealed that 49 year old Badara Kone struck the child – disciplined the child – with a leather belt numerous times causing serious physical injury. While being struck the child fell and is believed to have hit her head on a piece of furniture. After her siblings helped the victim to her bedroom. She was later found deceased, but it was some time before 9-1-1 was called.
Two male siblings – a 15 and 11 year old were also transported to an area hospital for precautionary wellness evaluations where detectives learned that the children had been continuously physically abused.
On May 28, Badara was taken to Troop 2, where he was charged with the offenses listed below for the abuse of the male children:
- Continuous Child Abuse Intentionally/Recklessly Engages in 3 or More Acts – 2 Counts (Felony)
- Child Abuse Fourth Degree – 8 counts
Kone is being held in default of a $17,000 cash bond.
Fatima’s body was turned over to the Delaware Division of Forensic Science, where an autopsy classified the death as a homicide caused by multiple blunt-force injuries.
On Monday, June 1, 2026, the Delaware Department of Justice authorized charges for the murder of Fatima. A warrant was approved, and Badara was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 2.
- Murder by Abuse or Neglect Second Degree (Felony)
Kone remained in custody of the Delaware Department of Correction on a $180,000 cash bond.
The investigation is continuing. Anyone with information should contact Captain Laird at 302-741-2727 or Detective Csapo at 302-741-2729 or Crime Stoppers at 800-847-3333.
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ORIGINAL STORY – 05/29/26 – The death of a 10 year old from Smyrna is under investigation by the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit. Police were called to a home on Oakwynn Circle in Smyrna around 2am on Thursday after the 10 year old child was found deceased in her bedroom.
The victim has been turned over to the Delaware Division of Forensic Science to determine the cause and manner of death.