A South Carolina woman has avoided jail time after admitting she broke into her ex-boyfriend’s home while allegedly planning to cause serious damage.
The case, which involved chemicals, lighters, and disturbing statements made to police, ended with a plea deal instead of prison. The court ordered probation, counseling, and a long-term restraining order as part of the sentence.
Woman Pleads Guilty in South Carolina Break-In Case
30-year-old Krystal Heyward pleaded guilty on May 6 to burglary charges connected to a 2024 incident in Hilton Head.
The incident happened during the early morning hours of September 21, 2024, at the home of her former boyfriend. Investigators say Heyward entered the property by removing an air conditioning unit from a window on the patio and climbing inside.
Police Say She Made Alarming Statements
When officers arrived at the scene, authorities say Heyward admitted she was there to “blow up the house.”
Police also found several suspicious items inside her backpack, including:
- A pressurized bottle of bleach
- A glass jar believed to be part of a possible homemade fire device
- A cloth soaked with chemicals
- Multiple lighters
- A knife
Because of these items and her statements, investigators initially believed she may have been planning something far more dangerous.
Explosive Device Charge Later Dropped
After further investigation, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office determined that none of the items Heyward was carrying were actually capable of causing an explosion.
Even so, prosecutors said her intent appeared serious enough that she was originally charged with first-degree burglary and possession of a destructive device.
As part of a plea agreement, she later pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of second-degree burglary, and the destructive device charge was dismissed.
Relationship Had Ended Weeks Earlier
Investigators learned from the victim’s family that Heyward and her ex-boyfriend had ended their relationship only a few weeks before the break-in. Authorities believe the breakup may have played a role in the incident.
Probation Instead of Prison
Instead of serving jail time, Heyward was sentenced to:
- 18 months of probation
- Mandatory mental health counseling
- Substance abuse treatment
- A five-year suspended prison sentence
- A permanent restraining order preventing contact with her ex-boyfriend
If she violates probation or court orders, she could still face prison time.
