Hilton Head Island Woman Arrested for Bizarre Home Invasion Attempt
In a shocking turn of events on Hilton Head Island, a 29-year-old woman was arrested early Saturday morning after allegedly breaking into her ex-boyfriend’s home. What makes this story even more alarming is the woman’s own admission to her plans to allegedly blow up the house. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has charged Krystal Ciera Heyward with first-degree burglary and possession of an explosive device, and the details of the incident are truly jaw-dropping.
Late Night Break-In
The drama unfolded just after midnight on September 21, when deputies were called to a residence on Bryant Lane located in the Spanish Wells community. The homeowner reported that Heyward had cleverly removed an air conditioning unit from a window to gain entry into the home. Thanks to the quick thinking of her son, who spotted his ex-girlfriend breaking in, authorities were alerted.
Admittance and Discovery
When questioned by the police, Heyward reportedly didn’t hold back. She admitted to the break-in and even showed officers two containers from her backpack. To the dismay of law enforcement, she confessed that these containers were intended to “blow up the house.” Talk about a shocking twist! Officers quickly placed Heyward in handcuffs.
Suspicious Substances
What followed next was enough to raise eyebrows. Inside her backpack, Heyward was found with a bleach bottle that looked to be highly pressurized, a sauce jar with an attached canister wrapped in a wet cloth (which emitted a strong smell of accelerant), several lighters, and even a knife. It was quite the assortment!
Understanding the Motivation
The homeowner mentioned that her son and Heyward had only broken up a few weeks prior, leaving everyone puzzled about what drove her to such drastic actions. Interestingly, the ex-boyfriend’s mother clarified that Heyward had never lived in the house, making her motives even more unclear.
Fire Rescue to the Scene
In an effort to ensure everyone’s safety, police officials called in the Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue team. The dedicated firefighters used a Blackline G7 gas detector to analyze the contents of Heyward’s makeshift containers. Thankfully, it was determined that there was nothing in the devices that could potentially cause an explosion. According to Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. Danny Allen, the contents were found to be no more hazardous than generic bleach.
Consequences Ahead
Despite the non-threatening nature of the substances, authorities still charged Heyward with possession of a destructive device because she explicitly stated her intention to use them as explosives. This felony carries some serious consequences, with prison time ranging from two to fifteen years.
Heyward also faces first-degree burglary charges, which is defined under South Carolina law as breaking into a home with intent to commit a crime. If convicted, she could face a life sentence or a minimum of 15 years. Keeping you updated, as of Monday afternoon, Heyward remained in custody at the Beaufort County jail.
Next Steps
At this point, there’s no update on whether a bond hearing has been scheduled or if Heyward has been assigned a public defender. It should be noted that police booking photos, or mugshots, are generally released under specific circumstances, and it’s likely that time will tell how this situation unfolds.
In summary, this story serves as a stark reminder of how quickly situations can escalate, especially when it comes to relationships. Hopefully, a closer look at mental health resources can help prevent such alarming events in the future. As we follow this case, our thoughts are with everyone involved.
