A New York woman faces up to 25 years in prison after being found guilty of throwing a stick of dynamite at her sleeping boyfriend, leading to the amputation of his hand.
Conviction and Charges
Keyonna Waddell, 35, was convicted by a jury on charges of assault in the first degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the first degree, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney. The incident occurred on March 22, 2024, in Suffolk County, New York.
The Attack
Following a heated argument in the victim's apartment, the victim left and told Waddell to do the same. When he returned, he found no sign of her and went to bed. He was awakened by a hissing sound and saw a flame on the bedroom floor. Upon investigation, he realized a stick of dynamite had been thrown into the room. His attempt to extinguish the device failed, and he grabbed it to throw it outside. Before reaching the door, the dynamite exploded in his hand, blowing it off. The victim ran to his driveway and saw Waddell fleeing on foot. Police rushed him to Nassau University Medical Centre, where the remainder of his hand and part of his arm were amputated.
Investigation and Arrest
Waddell was arrested on March 23, 2024. The investigation revealed she had repeatedly threatened the victim with dynamite in the months leading up to the attack. District Attorney Tierney stated, "Domestic violence can escalate to deadly levels, and this case is a sobering reminder of that reality. 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."
Legal Proceedings
On April 24, 2026, after a jury trial presided over by Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz, Waddell was convicted of assault in the first degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the first degree, both Class B violent felonies. Sentencing is scheduled for May 27, 2026, where she faces up to 25 years in prison. She is represented by Attorney Eric Besso. The prosecution was led by Assistant District Attorney Dana Castaldo from the child abuse and domestic violence bureau, along with Assistant District Attorney Jacob DeLauter from the major crime bureau. The investigation was conducted by Detective John Caraccia of the Suffolk County Police Department's first squad, with support from research analysts Thomas Kolacki and Brooke Baade.
