Keyonna Waddell, 35, of Long Island, New York, has been found guilty of assault and weapons charges after a violent incident in March 2024, in which she threw a homemade dynamite stick at her sleeping boyfriend. The explosion resulted in the loss of most of his hand as he tried to discard the device, officials said.
The Violent Incident
The explosive event occurred after an argument between Waddell and her then-boyfriend on March 22, 2024. While the couple initially left the apartment, the victim returned and went to sleep. Authorities say that’s when Waddell took matters into her own hands, literally throwing the homemade bomb into his room.
The victim woke up to a “hissing sound” and a flame on the floor, which he attempted to extinguish. Realizing the danger, he tried to throw the device outside, but before he could do so, the makeshift bomb exploded, severely injuring him.
The blast caused extensive damage to his hand and part of his arm, leading to amputation after he was rushed to Nassau University Medical Center.
Waddell’s Escape and Arrest
The victim, now severely injured, managed to stumble outside to the driveway, crying for help. Police arrived on the scene shortly after and found Waddell fleeing the area. She was arrested the following day.
A History of Threats
According to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Waddell had previously threatened to use dynamite against her boyfriend on multiple occasions. However, he never believed she would carry out such a violent act. This chilling case serves as a stark reminder of how domestic violence can escalate into dangerous and life-threatening situations.
Legal Consequences
Waddell was convicted of assault and multiple criminal weapons possession charges. The conviction carries a potential sentence of up to 25 years in prison. She is scheduled to return to court for sentencing on May 27, 2024.
A Sobering Reminder
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney emphasized the severity of the case, stating, “Domestic violence can escalate to deadly levels, and this case is a sobering reminder of that reality.” The incident is a brutal example of how volatile relationships can sometimes lead to devastating and irreversible consequences.
