A 10-year-old Delaware girl died after a brutal beating her father called “discipline.” Her siblings — ages 11 and 15 — helped carry her to bed. No one called 911 for hours.
Two young brothers thought they were helping their little sister to bed.
They had no idea she was dying.
On the night of May 27, inside a home on Oakwynn Circle in Smyrna, Delaware, 10-year-old Fatima Kone was beaten repeatedly with a leather belt by her 49-year-old father, Badara Kone. At some point during the beating, Fatima fell — and struck her head on a piece of furniture.
Her brothers, ages 15 and 11, helped carry her to her bedroom. Hours passed. No one called for help.
Just after 2 a.m. on May 28, Fatima was found dead in her room.
“Discipline” That Turned Fatal
Delaware State Police say Badara Kone himself described the attack as self-discipline. He struck Fatima “numerous times” with a leather belt — hard enough that she collapsed to the floor and hit her head.
A medical examiner later ruled her death a homicide. The cause: multiple blunt-force injuries.
911 was not called for an extended period after the beating. By the time officers arrived, Fatima was already gone.
The Brothers Knew. And Investigators Say It Wasn’t the First Time.
When Fatima’s two brothers were taken to a hospital for wellness checks, the full horror began to surface. Detectives say they found evidence that all three children — Fatima and both brothers — had been continuously physically abused.
Badara Kone was arrested the same day.
He now faces murder charges, two felony counts of continuous child abuse, and eight counts of fourth-degree child abuse. As of Tuesday, he remained behind bars on a $180,000 cash bond.
What Happens Next
The surviving brothers are now in the care of authorities. The investigation remains ongoing as detectives piece together the full scope of abuse inside the home.
For Fatima, there will be no justice that brings her back. She was 10 years old.
If you have information related to this case, contact Delaware State Police.
