LONG ISLAND, NY — Keyonna Waddell, 35, was found guilty on Friday of assault and multiple criminal weapons possession charges after a March 2024 incident in which she threw a homemade dynamite stick at her sleeping boyfriend, causing him to lose his hand in the explosion.
A Domestic Argument Turns Violent
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office revealed that Waddell and her then-boyfriend had been arguing, and tensions had been escalating for some time. Waddell had allegedly threatened to use dynamite against him multiple times in the months leading up to the attack, but the victim did not take the threats seriously.
After the heated argument on March 22, 2024, the couple both left the victim’s apartment. However, he eventually returned and went to sleep, unaware of the danger that awaited him.
The Explosion and Aftermath
Around early morning hours, the boyfriend was suddenly woken by a hissing sound and noticed a flame on the floor near him. In a panic, he attempted to pick up the makeshift bomb and throw it outside, but before he could, the device exploded, causing severe injuries to his hand.
The explosion blew apart most of his hand, and he immediately stumbled outside, screaming for help. He saw Waddell fleeing the scene and managed to flag down responders.
He was rushed to Nassau University Medical Center, where doctors had to amputate the remainder of his hand and part of his arm due to the extensive damage caused by the explosion.
Waddell’s Arrest and Legal Consequences
Waddell was arrested the following day and later found guilty of assault and several weapons-related charges. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney commented on the case, saying, “Domestic violence can escalate to deadly levels, and this case is a sobering reminder of that reality.”
Waddell is facing up to 25 years in prison when she returns to court for sentencing on May 27, 2024.
A Sobering Reminder of Domestic Violence
The case highlights the extreme escalation of domestic violence and the devastating consequences that can result from abusive behavior. The victim’s life has been permanently changed, and Waddell’s actions have led to irreversible injuries that will affect him for the rest of his life.
