A Suffolk County jury has returned a guilty verdict against 35-year-old Keyonna Waddell following a harrowing domestic violence incident that occurred in March 2024. The defendant was convicted on multiple counts, including assault and criminal weapons possession, after she threw a homemade stick of dynamite into her boyfriend's bedroom.
The victim, who was asleep at the time of the attack, awoke to the sound of a hissing fuse and the sight of flames on his floor. In a desperate attempt to protect himself and his home, he tried to discard the explosive device before it detonated.
The resulting blast caused catastrophic injuries, forcing the victim to undergo an emergency amputation of his hand and a portion of his arm. He was rushed to Nassau University Medical Center for life-saving treatment after fleeing the scene to seek help.
Prosecutors revealed that the couple had engaged in a heated argument earlier that day, which served as the catalyst for the violent act. Evidence presented during the trial indicated that Waddell had previously threatened the victim with dynamite on several occasions, though he had not anticipated that she would actually carry out the threat.
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney emphasized the severity of the case during his post-verdict statement. He noted that the incident serves as a grim reminder of how quickly domestic disputes can escalate into life-altering acts of violence.
The investigation into the incident was handled by local law enforcement, who arrested Waddell just one day after the explosion occurred. Her conviction marks a significant step in the legal process for the victim, who continues to recover from the permanent physical trauma caused by the attack.
Waddell is currently awaiting her formal sentencing, which is scheduled for May 27. She faces a potential prison sentence of up to 25 years for her actions. The case has drawn significant attention due to the unusual and extreme nature of the weapon used in the domestic assault.