A Suffolk County woman has been sentenced to prison after throwing a stick of dynamite through her boyfriend's bedroom window, resulting in the loss of his hand. Keyonna Waddell, 35, was convicted last week on charges of first-degree assault and first-degree criminal possession of a weapon, both felonies.
The Incident
On March 22, 2024, Waddell and her partner engaged in a heated argument inside his home in Deer Park, a hamlet in Long Island, New York. The victim stormed out of the residence and asked Waddell to leave. Upon returning, he found no sign of her inside. Later, while sleeping, he was awakened by a hissing sound and noticed a small flame on the floor of his bedroom. The object was a stick of handmade dynamite.
Attempting to extinguish the flame, the victim grabbed the dynamite to throw it outside, but it exploded in his hand. He experienced 'searing pain' and looked down to see that most of his hand was gone, according to police reports. Doctors later amputated what remained of his hand and arm.
Arrest and Trial
Waddell was arrested the following day. Investigators discovered that she had previously threatened to blow up the victim with dynamite. A jury found her guilty last week. She is scheduled to be sentenced on May 27 and faces up to 25 years in prison.
District Attorney Tierney commented: 'Domestic violence can escalate to deadly levels, and this case is a sobering reminder of that reality. Thanks to the outstanding work of our prosecutors and the Suffolk County Police Department, a dangerous individual has been held accountable and will face a lengthy prison sentence for this horrific act.'
