A shocking case of domestic violence has resulted in the conviction of Keyonna Waddell, a 35-year-old woman from Deer Park, Long Island. She was found guilty after authorities said she threw a handmade stick of dynamite at her boyfriend while he was sleeping, leading to him losing most of his hand.
The conviction was handed down on Friday by a jury, finding Waddell guilty of first-degree assault and first-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
Details of the Incident
The horrifying incident took place on March 22, 2024, when Waddell and her boyfriend were engaged in a heated argument inside his apartment. After the dispute, the victim left the apartment and told Waddell to leave. Upon returning to his apartment, the victim discovered that Waddell was no longer present, and he decided to go to sleep.
While sleeping, the victim was awakened by a hissing sound and noticed a flame on the floor. He quickly realized that dynamite had been thrown into his bedroom.
As the device began to detonate, the victim attempted to throw it out of the window, but the dynamite exploded before he could manage to dispose of it. The explosion severely injured him, causing the loss of most of his hand and part of his arm.
The Victim’s Response and Aftermath
After the explosion, the victim ran out of his apartment and saw Waddell fleeing the scene. He was immediately rushed to the hospital, where his remaining hand and part of his arm were amputated due to the severity of his injuries.
Waddell was arrested the following day after a police investigation led them to charge her with two serious offenses—first-degree assault and criminal possession of a weapon.
Waddell’s Threats Leading to the Attack
Authorities revealed that Waddell had threatened her boyfriend with dynamite multiple times in the months leading up to the attack. These threats were part of a broader history of domestic violence, and Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney emphasized that such threats had escalated into deadly violence.
“Domestic violence can escalate to deadly levels, and this case is a sobering reminder of that reality,” said Tierney in a statement following the conviction.
Conviction and Sentencing
On April 2024, Waddell was convicted by a jury on charges of first-degree assault and first-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Her sentencing is scheduled for May 27, 2024, and she faces up to 25 years in prison.
District Attorney Raymond Tierney commended the Suffolk County Police Department and prosecutors for their diligent work in bringing Waddell to justice, ensuring she would be held accountable for her horrific actions.
Summary Table of Key Information
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Accused Name | Keyonna Waddell |
| Age | 35 years old |
| Location | Deer Park, Long Island, New York |
| Victim’s Injury | Most of his hand and part of his arm amputated |
| Charges | First-degree assault, first-degree criminal possession of a weapon |
| Date of Incident | March 22, 2024 |
| Victim’s Response | Attempted to throw dynamite out of the window before it detonated |
| Waddell’s Arrest | Arrested the day after the attack |
| Threats Before the Attack | Had threatened the victim with dynamite multiple times before the explosion |
| Waddell’s Sentencing Date | May 27, 2024 |
| Potential Prison Sentence | Up to 25 years |
The case of Keyonna Waddell stands as a grim reminder of how domestic violence can escalate into deadly violence. After months of threats involving dynamite, Waddell’s actions resulted in life-altering injuries to her boyfriend, leaving him with permanent disabilities.
The jury’s conviction and Waddell’s upcoming sentencing reflect the seriousness of her actions, and she now faces the possibility of spending up to 25 years in prison.
This case also highlights the importance of recognizing early signs of domestic abuse and the potential consequences of such escalating threats. The Suffolk County community is now left to deal with the aftermath, as the victim continues to recover from his life-changing injuries.
