Delaware dad allegedly killed 10-year-old daughter for lying to him about field trip money

SMYRNA, Del. (TCN) -- A 49-year-old father of three has been arrested and charged with murder in the death of his 10-year-old daughter and abuse of his two other children, according to police.

Delaware State Police announced that the body of Fatima Kone was found in her room on May 28. An investigation revealed that her father, Badara Kone, allegedly hit her with a leather belt the night before to discipline her. Investigators believe she fell and hit her head during the alleged beating before her siblings helped her to bed.

According to court documents obtained by Delaware Online, Badara Kone had allegedly confronted the child for lying about field trip money. The outlet reports that the child’s siblings and Badara’s wife were present during the alleged beating. It is unclear if Badara’s wife is the child’s mother.

The next morning, Fatima Kone was found dead, but no one dialed 911 for some time, according to police.

Fatima Kone’s male siblings, ages 11 and 15, were evaluated, and investigators learned they had also allegedly undergone physical abuse at the hands of their father.

Delaware Online reports the boys told police that Fatima Kone had blood coming out of her mouth and seemed only partially conscious after the alleged beating. Charging documents obtained by Delaware Online allege Badara Kone had beaten the children with a belt for at least the past year as a form of discipline.

Badara Kone was charged on May 28 with abuse in connection with the boys. After Fatima Kone’s autopsy determined she died of blunt force trauma caused by abuse, her death was ruled a homicide. Badara Kone was then arraigned June 1 on a charge of second-degree murder by abuse or neglect in connection with her death.

According to police, Badara Kone remains behind bars on $180,000 cash bond.

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