New York Woman Convicted After Dynamite Attack Costs Boyfriend His Hand

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A 35-year-old New York woman faces up to 25 years in prison after being convicted of throwing a stick of dynamite at her sleeping boyfriend, causing an explosion that severed his hand and part of his arm.

Keyonna Waddell was found guilty April 24 following a jury trial on charges of assault in the first degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the first degree, both Class B violent felonies. The conviction stems from a March 22, 2024 incident in Suffolk County that left her boyfriend permanently disabled after what prosecutors described as an escalation of ongoing domestic violence threats involving explosives.

The attack occurred after Waddell and her partner argued inside his apartment, prompting the victim to leave and order Waddell to do the same, according to court documents. When he returned home later that evening, Waddell appeared to be gone and the victim went to bed. He was awakened by a hissing sound and spotted a flame on his bedroom floor. Upon getting up, he realized an object resembling a stick of dynamite had been thrown into his bedroom. The victim attempted to extinguish the explosive device but was unsuccessful. He then grabbed the device and tried to throw it outside before it could detonate indoors.

Before the victim could reach the exit, the explosive detonated in his hand, causing excruciating pain as he realized his hand had been blown off. He ran to the end of his driveway and observed Waddell fleeing the scene on foot. Police transported the victim to Nassau University Medical Centre, where doctors were forced to amputate the remainder of his hand and part of his arm. The Suffolk County Police Department’s First Squad launched an immediate investigation led by Detective John Caraccia, with assistance from District Attorney’s office research analysts Thomas Kolacki and Brooke Baade.

Waddell was arrested March 23, 2024, one day after the attack. The investigation revealed she had repeatedly threatened the victim with dynamite in the months leading up to the incident, establishing a pattern of escalating domestic violence. Court records show the case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Dana Castaldo of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Jacob DeLauter of the Major Crime Bureau. The trial was heard before Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz, who oversaw the jury proceedings that ultimately led to Waddell’s conviction on both felony charges.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney emphasized the severity of domestic violence cases in a statement following the conviction. “Domestic violence can escalate to deadly levels, and this case is a sobering reminder of that reality,” Tierney 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.” The case highlights how domestic disputes can turn fatal when weapons are involved, particularly explosive devices that pose extreme danger to victims and surrounding communities.

Waddell is scheduled to return to court for sentencing on May 27, 2026, where she faces up to 25 years in prison for the violent felony convictions. She is being represented by attorney Eric Besso. The assault in the first degree charge carries the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence due to the severity of the victim’s permanent injuries and the use of an explosive device. Criminal possession of a weapon in the first degree involving dynamite represents one of the most serious weapons charges under New York state law, reflecting the deadly nature of the explosive used in the attack.

The Suffolk County case demonstrates the resources law enforcement dedicates to investigating domestic violence crimes involving weapons. The investigation required coordination between patrol officers, detectives, medical personnel, and prosecutors specializing in domestic violence cases. The victim’s survival and ability to identify Waddell fleeing the scene provided crucial evidence for prosecutors, along with the physical evidence collected from the explosion site and hospital records documenting the extent of his injuries.

Waddell now awaits sentencing while remaining in custody, with her conviction standing as one of the most unusual domestic violence cases involving explosives in recent Suffolk County history. The victim faces ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation following the amputation of his hand and partial arm removal.