A woman, Keyonna Waddell, 35, was convicted of causing severe injury to her boyfriend by throwing a makeshift explosive device at him while he was asleep. The incident occurred following a heated argument between the couple. Waddell had previously made threats to use dynamite against her partner, but he never anticipated her actions.
In March 2024, Waddell tossed the explosive into the room where her boyfriend was sleeping. Upon awakening to a hissing sound, he attempted to extinguish the flame but was unsuccessful. In a desperate move, he tried to discard the explosive outside, resulting in a devastating explosion that mutilated his hand. The injured man sought help while Waddell escaped the scene.
Emergency services rushed the victim to Nassau University Medical Center in New York, where medical professionals had to amputate what remained of his hand. Waddell was apprehended by law enforcement the next day and subsequently found guilty of assault and multiple charges related to illegal possession of weapons by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney emphasized the gravity of the incident, stating that domestic conflicts can escalate dangerously. He commended the efforts of prosecutors and law enforcement in bringing Waddell to justice and ensuring she faces significant penalties for her appalling actions.
Waddell is scheduled for sentencing in a New York court on May 27 and could potentially receive a lengthy prison term, possibly up to 25 years. The prosecution is being led by Assistant District Attorney Dana Castaldo and Assistant District Attorney Jacob DeLauter, with Detective John Caraccia overseeing the investigation alongside support from Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office Research Analysts Thomas Kolacki and Brooke Baade.