Woman convicted for throwing dynamite at sleeping boyfriend, blowing off his hand

1 hour ago

WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News Staff,

SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. (Gray News) – A New York woman faces up to 25 years in prison after she was found guilty of throwing a stick of dynamite into her boyfriend’s bedroom, causing him to lose a hand.

Keyonna Waddell, 35, was found guilty of first-degree assault and criminal possession of a weapon after she threw a stick of dynamite into her boyfriend’s bedroom, causing him to lose a hand.(Source: Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office)

A jury found 35-year-old Keyonna Waddell guilty of first-degree assault and criminal possession of a weapon, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced Friday.

“Domestic violence can escalate to deadly levels, and this case is a sobering reminder of that reality,” said Tierney in a press release. “A dangerous individual has been held accountable and will face a lengthy prison sentence for this horrific act.”

The trial stemmed from a March 22, 2024, incident in which prosecutors say Waddell threw a stick of dynamite into her boyfriend’s bedroom while he slept after the two got into an argument.

Prosecutors say the victim was “awoken by a hissing sound and saw a flame on the floor of his bedroom.” When he got up, he found a stick of dynamite and tried to extinguish it but was unsuccessful.

The victim then picked up the dynamite in an attempt to throw it outside. However, prosecutors say it detonated in his hand, causing searing pain and the loss of the hand. Doctors also had to amputate part of his arm.

The victim saw Waddell fleeing his apartment on foot after the incident. She was arrested the next day, and prosecutors say it was revealed she had threatened her boyfriend with dynamite several times.

Waddell faces up to 25 years in prison and will be sentenced May 27.

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