Delaware State Police have taken a second suspect into custody in connection with the killing of 10-year-old Fatima Kone, announcing that the child’s stepmother has been arrested.
Authorities report that 37-year-old Adiaratou Coulibaly of Smyrna, Delaware, is now in police custody following an investigation that revealed her role in the circumstances leading to Fatima’s death.
According to investigators, homicide detectives determined that Coulibaly participated in the events surrounding the young girl’s death. The investigation showed that following an incident involving Fatima’s father, Badara Kone, additional abuse took place in different parts of the residence, with Coulibaly as the perpetrator. Police say Coulibaly inflicted severe and extended abuse on Fatima through the use of different items and by making her perform forced physical activities.
The Delaware Department of Justice approved criminal charges against Coulibaly on June 3, 2026, and a warrant was issued. On the morning of June 5, 2026, law enforcement officers working with the United States Marshals Service’s First State Fugitive Task Force and the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force apprehended Coulibaly in New York City.
Coulibaly remains in the custody of the New York City Department of Correction and will face charges of Murder by Abuse or Neglect Second Degree (Felony) once she is returned to Delaware.
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit remains active in investigating this case. Investigators are requesting anyone who has information related to this matter or knowledge about the Kone family to reach out to Captain J. Laird at (302) 741-2727 or Detective M. Csapo at (302) 741-2729. Tips can also be submitted through a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333.
Individuals who are victims or witnesses of crimes, or those who have experienced the sudden loss of a family member and require support, can access help through the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center. Support and resources are available around the clock via a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). The Victim Services Unit can also be reached by email at [email protected].
