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 investigation revealed that Badara hit Fatima numerous times with a leather belt causing serious physical injury.

While being hit, the child fell to the ground and is believed to have hit her head on a piece of furniture.

She was moved to her bedroom where she later died.

During the investigation, detectives determined two male siblings had also been physically abused.

Badara Kone remains in custody of the Delaware Department of Correction on $180,000 cash bond.