A woman from New York is facing a potential 25-year prison sentence after she was found guilty of throwing a stick of dynamite at her boyfriend while he was asleep.
Keyonna Waddell, aged 35, was convicted in a jury trial on charges of first-degree assault and first-degree criminal possession of a weapon, as confirmed by Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney.
According to a statement from the Suffolk County Attorney’s office, the incident took place on March 22, 2024, in Suffolk County, New York, following an argument between Waddell and her partner inside his apartment, leading the partner to leave and ask Waddell to do the same.
Upon returning home, the partner did not find Waddell and went to bed. He was awoken by a hissing sound and saw a flame on the bedroom floor. Realizing a stick of dynamite had been thrown into the room, he tried unsuccessfully to extinguish it, then attempted to throw it outside, as reported by the Mirror US.
However, before reaching the door, the explosive detonated in his hand, causing severe pain and the loss of his hand. Upon going outside, he witnessed Waddell fleeing the scene on foot. Court documents reveal that the victim was taken by police to Nassau University Medical Centre, where his hand and part of his arm had to be amputated.
Waddell was apprehended on March 23, 2024, after investigations showed she had threatened the victim with dynamite multiple times before the incident.
District Attorney Tierney stated, “Domestic violence can escalate to deadly levels, and this case serves as a stark reminder of that fact. Thanks to the diligent efforts of our prosecutors and the Suffolk County Police Department, a dangerous individual has been brought to justice and will face a lengthy prison term for this atrocious act.”
Following a jury trial overseen by Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz on April 24, 2026, Waddell was found guilty of first-degree assault, a Class B violent felony, and first-degree criminal possession of a weapon, also a Class B violent felony.
Waddell is scheduled for sentencing on May 27, 2026, where she could receive a maximum of 25 years in prison. Eric Besso is representing her in court.
The prosecution is being led by Assistant District Attorney Dana Castaldo from the child abuse and domestic violence bureau, in collaboration with Assistant District Attorney Jacob DeLauter from the major crime bureau. The investigation was carried out by Detective John Caraccia of the Suffolk County Police Department’s first squad, with support from research
