Long Island Woman Charged After Explosive Attack Leaves Boyfriend Scarred for Life

A woman from Long Island is facing up to 25 years in prison after she tossed a homemade dynamite at her sleeping boyfriend. The victim has allegedly lost his hand in an attempt to save himself. The woman was found guilty on April 24.

A 35-year-old woman from Long Island, Keyonna Waddell, was found guilty on April 24 in connection with a violent incident that occurred in March 2025. Waddell threw a homemade dynamite at her boyfriend while he was sleeping after the couple got into an argument, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office (SCDAO).

“Domestic violence can escalate to deadly levels, and this case is a sobering reminder of that reality," Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said on April 24 after the guilty verdict.

Waddell had threatened to use an explosive against her then-boyfriend multiple times in the month leading up to the incident. However, it was beyond the expectation of the victim that his partner would follow through on the threat, the district attorney said.

The pair both left the unidentified victim’s apartment after their argument, which happened on March 22, 2025. Authorities said that although the couple had a heated fight, they eventually returned and went to to bed. This is when Waddell threw the explosive device into her boyfriend’s room, according to officials.

Waddell’s then-boyfriend woke up a little later to a “hissing sound” and saw a flame on the floor, which he was unable to put out as time passed, according to police. He then tried to pick up the explosive and throw it outside, but the makeshift device exploded and severely injured his hands, police said.

The man then stumbled out to the driveway, screaming for help. While he was asking for help, he spotted Waddell fleeing the scene, according to the district attorney's reports. He was then rushed to the hospital by a responding officer. He was taken to Nassau University Medical Center, where the remainder of his hand and part of his arm were amputated, authorities said.

Waddell was arrested by authorities on March 23, 2025, a day after the incident. She is facing several felony charges, including assault and multiple counts of criminal weapons possession, as of April 24. She could face a prison term of approximately 25 years. Waddell is due back in court for sentencing on May 27.