Nationwide — Keyonna Waddell, a 35-year-old woman from Suffolk County, New York, has been convicted after throwing a stick of dynamite into her sleeping boyfriend’s bedroom following an argument. The blast caused him to lose his hand, and she now faces up to 25 years in prison.
A Suffolk County jury found Waddell guilty of first-degree assault and criminal possession of a weapon. District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney confirmed the verdict and described the case as a serious act of domestic violence involving explosives.
According to KGNS, prosecutors said the incident happened on March 22, 2024, after a dispute between the couple. Waddell allegedly entered her boyfriend’s bedroom while he slept and threw a stick of dynamite inside before leaving.
The victim woke up to a hissing sound and noticed a flame on the floor of his room. He tried to put out the fire but could not stop the device from burning.
He then picked up the dynamite and attempted to throw it outside. It detonated in his hand, causing catastrophic injuries that led to the loss of his hand. Doctors later amputated part of his arm due to the damage.
After the explosion, the victim saw Waddell running out of the apartment. Police arrested her the following day. Investigators also said she had previously threatened him with dynamite during earlier arguments.
Waddell is scheduled to be sentenced on May 27. She faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.