Following the arrest of Badara Kone, 49, of Smyrna, Delaware, for his suspected role in the death of his 10-year-old daughter, police have apprehended the victim’s stepmother, as well. On Tuesday morning, police in Delaware announced that 37-year-old Adiaratou Coulibaly of Smyrna, Delaware, ha d been taken into custody and is expected to face charges involved in the death of her 10-year-old stepdaughter, Fatima Kone. According to police, during an investigation into the child’s May 27, 2026 murder, investigators determined that Coulibaly was involved in the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death. The victim’s father has been arrested and charged after, police allege, he beat his 10-year-old daughter several times with a leather belt inside their home on Oakwynn Circle in Smyrna, Delaware, as a self-described form of “discipline.” During the beating, Fatima fell to the ground and hit her head on a piece of furniture, investigators said. However, officials said that Coulibaly continued to abuse the victim after the incident involving the girl’s father, leading to, what police called, “severe and prolonged abuse using various objects and forced exercises.” Following the attack, police said the girl’s 15-year-old brother and 11-year-old brother then helped her to her bedroom where she remained until the next morning around 2 a.m. when Delaware state troopers were called to the home. The girl was later pronounced dead from her injuries. During the investigation, Fatima’s two brothers were taken to a hospital for precautionary wellness evaluations. Detectives then determined both boys had been continuously physically abused, as well. On July 3, 2026, charges were authorized against Coulibaly and, on June 5, 2026, police located and apprehended her in New York City, officials said. Officials said Coulibaly is being held in New York City as she awaits extradition to Delaware. Upon being extradited, officials said, Coulibaly will be charged with murder by abuse. The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit continues its investigation. Detectives ask that anyone with relevant information about this case or the Kone family to contact Captain J. Laird at 302-741-2727 or Detective M. Csapo at 302-741-2729. Information may also be provided by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-847-3333. ...read more read less