Suffolk County, New York — A New York woman who threw a lit explosive device into her former boyfriend’s home has been sentenced to nearly two decades behind bars after an attack that left the victim permanently disfigured.
Authorities said the violent incident stemmed from a domestic dispute that escalated into a life-altering explosion.
Argument Escalated Into Violent Attack
According to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, 35-year-old Keyonna Waddell was arguing with her former boyfriend on the night of March 22, 2024, when he ordered her to leave his apartment.
Believing the confrontation was over, the victim went to sleep and expected the situation to calm down. Instead, prosecutors said the man was awakened by an unusual sound coming from inside his residence.
Victim Woke Up to Lit Dynamite
While sleeping, the victim reportedly heard a hissing noise and quickly realized something was dangerously wrong.
According to authorities, he discovered a lit stick of dynamite inside the apartment.
The victim reportedly attempted to extinguish the burning fuse but was unable to stop it from continuing to burn.
In a desperate effort to save himself, he picked up the explosive and tried to throw it out of a nearby window.
Before he could do so, the device detonated.
According to Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney, the victim immediately realized the devastating extent of his injuries.
“felt searing pain and realized that his hand was gone”
After the explosion, the victim reportedly ran from the home and saw Waddell fleeing the property on foot.
Explosion Caused Permanent Injuries
Emergency responders rushed the victim to a hospital, where doctors treated catastrophic injuries caused by the blast.
Authorities said the injuries were so severe that surgeons were forced to amputate the remainder of his hand and part of the same arm.
The explosion permanently changed the victim’s life and became the focus of a lengthy criminal investigation.
Investigators later determined that the attack was not an isolated incident.
Prosecutors Say Threats Had Been Made Before
According to authorities, Waddell had allegedly threatened the victim with dynamite on several occasions before the explosion occurred.
Investigators said those threats had continued for months leading up to the attack.
Police arrested Waddell the day after the explosion, and prosecutors pursued multiple serious felony charges against her.
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Following a trial, she was convicted of assault and criminal possession of a weapon.
Judge Hands Down 18-Year Sentence
On Wednesday, a judge sentenced Waddell to 18 years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision.
The sentence was significant, though prosecutors noted she had faced the possibility of up to 25 years behind bars if convicted.
District Attorney Raymond Tierney praised the outcome, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime.
“This sentence is a measure of justice for a victim who survived an act of unspeakable domestic violence in his own home.”
The case has drawn attention because of the extreme nature of the attack and the devastating injuries suffered by the victim.
Authorities say the sentence reflects the severe consequences of domestic violence and the lasting impact such crimes can have on victims and their families.
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