New York Woman Sentenced for Explosive Assault

A woman from Deer Park, Long Island, has been sentenced after allegedly throwing a homemade stick of dynamite at her boyfriend while he was asleep, resulting in the loss of his hand.

Kiyona Waddell, 35, was convicted by a jury on Friday for first-degree assault and first-degree criminal possession of a weapon, related to an incident in March 2024. The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office indicated that Waddell had reportedly threatened her boyfriend with dynamite multiple times leading up to the event.

“This case highlights how domestic violence can escalate dangerously,” remarked Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney. It’s certainly a shocking reminder, isn’t it?

On March 22, 2024, Waddell and her boyfriend had an argument in their apartment. After the argument, he left, only to return home later and find it empty. He went to sleep, but then was abruptly awakened by a hissing sound and flames in his bedroom.

Realizing a stick of dynamite had been thrown into his room, he attempted to toss it out the window but, unfortunately, the explosive detonated, severely injuring his hand. In an effort to escape, he bolted from the apartment and caught a glimpse of Waddell driving away.

He was subsequently rushed to a hospital, where doctors had to amputate what remained of his hand and part of his arm.

Following the incident, Waddell was arrested the next day. She is set to be sentenced on May 27 and may face up to 25 years behind bars. Tierney expressed gratitude for the diligent work of the prosecutors and the police, emphasizing that Waddell would be held accountable for this alarming act.