A New York woman has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after throwing an explosive device into her former boyfriend’s apartment, causing life-changing injuries that led to the loss of his hand and part of his arm.
New York Woman Sentenced for Explosive Attack on Ex-Boyfriend
Keyonna Waddell, 35, was sentenced on Wednesday to 18 years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision. The sentence comes after she was convicted of assault and criminal possession of a weapon.
According to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, the incident took place on the night of March 22, 2024, following an argument between Waddell and her former boyfriend at his apartment.
Argument Escalated Into Violent Attack
Authorities said the victim asked Waddell to leave his apartment after the argument. Believing the situation was over, the man went to bed.
However, while sleeping, he was awakened by a strange hissing sound. When he investigated, he discovered a lit stick of dynamite inside his home.
The victim reportedly tried to put out the fuse but was unsuccessful.
Explosion Caused Devastating Injuries
According to prosecutors, the man picked up the explosive device and attempted to throw it out of a window before it detonated.
The explosion caused severe injuries. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said the victim immediately realised the seriousness of his injuries when he felt intense pain and noticed that his hand had been blown off.
Despite his injuries, the man managed to run out of the apartment and reportedly saw Waddell fleeing the scene on foot.
He was rushed to hospital, where doctors were forced to amputate the remaining portion of his hand as well as part of the same arm due to the extent of the damage.
Previous Threats Discovered During Investigation
Investigators later uncovered evidence showing that Waddell had allegedly threatened the victim with dynamite several times in the months leading up to the attack.
The findings strengthened the prosecution’s case and suggested that the incident was not a spontaneous act but part of an ongoing pattern of threats.
Waddell was arrested the day after the explosion.
Court Delivers Lengthy Prison Sentence
Following her conviction, the court sentenced Waddell to 18 years behind bars. In addition, she will remain under post-release supervision for five years after completing her prison term.
She had faced a maximum possible sentence of 25 years in prison.
Prosecutors Call Sentence a Measure of Justice
District Attorney Raymond Tierney described the attack as a shocking act of domestic violence that took place in the victim’s own home.
He stated that the sentence represents a measure of justice for a man whose life was permanently changed by the violent incident.
Case Highlights Serious Consequences of Domestic Violence
The case has drawn attention to the dangers of domestic violence and the devastating impact it can have on victims. The attack left the victim with permanent physical injuries and emotional trauma that will likely affect him for the rest of his life.
Authorities hope the sentence sends a strong message that violent crimes involving explosives and serious bodily harm will be met with significant punishment under the law.
