A woman from Long Island has been found guilty of assault after a shocking incident involving dynamite, which resulted in her boyfriend losing his hand. Keyonna Waddell, 35, a resident of Deer Park, was convicted of first-degree assault and first-degree criminal possession of a weapon at a Suffolk County courthouse.
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The fallout from the incident, which occurred on 22 March 2024, was described in detail by the district attorney’s office. According to prosecutors, Waddell and her boyfriend engaged in a heated argument before he decided to leave the apartment. Upon his return, he found the apartment seemingly empty, and he ultimately went to bed, not suspecting the danger that awaited him.
In the middle of the night, the boyfriend was suddenly jolted awake by the sound of a hissing noise. On inspecting the source of the sound, he discovered a flaming object on the floor of his bedroom. It became horrifyingly clear that an item resembling a stick of dynamite had been thrown into his living space. In a desperate attempt to extinguish the fire, he grabbed the object but was met with disaster; the device detonated while he was still holding it.
As chaos ensued, the impact of the explosion was catastrophic. The boyfriend, overwhelmed by searing pain, looked down only to find that his hand had been severed. In a state of shock, he managed to flee the apartment and ran outside, where he spotted Waddell making her escape.
Emergency services were called, and upon arriving at the hospital, the medical team performed an amputation that involved removing the remaining part of his hand and a section of his arm. The extent of his injuries underscored the seriousness of the incident and the gravity of Waddell’s actions.
Investigators apprehended Waddell the following day. Further inquiries revealed a troubling history between the couple, as it was revealed that Waddell had allegedly made threats involving dynamite towards her boyfriend multiple times in the months leading up to the incident. This pattern of intimidation raised serious concerns about the nature of their relationship.
On 24 April 2026, Waddell was officially convicted, and she is scheduled for sentencing in May. She faces the prospect of spending up to 25 years behind bars for her actions. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney provided a statement following the conviction, highlighting the severity of domestic violence and the potential for such situations to escalate into life-threatening circumstances.
“This case is a sobering reminder of that reality,” he noted. “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.”
The case has sparked discussions about the need for continued awareness and support for victims of domestic violence. In light of the extraordinary nature of the crime, both local officials and advocacy groups are encouraging individuals who may be suffering from domestic abuse to seek help. The National Domestic Violence Hotline, which operates 24/7 and offers support in over 170 languages, is available to those in need.
For anyone experiencing similar situations, it is crucial to remember that support is available, and reaching out can be a vital first step towards safety and recovery.