Keyonna Waddell: Woman found guilty of throwing stick of dynamite at sleeping boyfriend
The victim was awoken by a hissing sound and saw a flame on the floor of his bedroom.
A New York woman is facing up to 25 years in prison after she was found guilty of throwing an explosive device into her boyfriend’s bedroom as he slept.
Keyonna Waddell, 35, of Deer Park, Suffolk County, was convicted of assault in the first degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the first degree following the horrific attack that left the victim with devastating injuries.
According to a statement from the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, evidence heard in court revealed that on March 22, 2024, the pair had an argument inside the victim’s apartment, after which they both left.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.When the unnamed victim returned home, he did not see Waddell there, and so he went to bed.
“He was awoken by a hissing sound and saw a flame on the floor of his bedroom,” the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office said.
“Upon getting up, he realized that an object resembling a stick of dynamite had been thrown into his bedroom. He attempted to extinguish the explosive device, which was unsuccessful. He then picked up the device, in an attempt to throw it outside.”
Unfortunately the explosive device detonated in his hand before he was able to get outside.
“He felt searing pain and realized that his hand was gone,” the attorney’s office said.
The victim ran to the end of the driveway where he saw Waddell fleeing the scene.
He was transported to Nassau University Medical Center where the remainder of his hand and part of his arm was amputated.
The next day, Waddell was arrested after an investigation revealed she had threatened the victim with dynamite several times in the months leading up to the attack.
On April 24, 2026, Waddell was convicted, and faces up to 25 years in prison. She is due back in court for sentencing on May 27.
Following the outcome, District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney said the case serves as a reminder of the brutality of domestic violence.
“Domestic violence can escalate to deadly levels, and this case is a sobering reminder of that reality,” he said.
“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.”
