Three Florida residents have been arrested after they were hired for an alleged acid attack on a woman in New Jersey last month, officials said Tuesday.
Police responded to a home in Monroe Township on July 26, where a 42-year-old woman was attacked upon arriving home from work, according to the Gloucester County, New Jersey, Prosecutor’s Office.
“As the victim opened her car door, she was approached by an unknown female who threw a cup and its liquid contents directly at the victim,” the prosecutor’s office said in a press release.
The alleged female assailant then fled the scene.
The victim was airlifted to a burn center, where she is still being treated for chemical burns over 35% of her body, the officials said.
“The liquid used in the attack is believed to be a highly caustic acid,” the prosecutor’s office said.
Booking photos have been released for Betty Jo Lane, left, Jmarr McNeil, center, and William DiBernardo.
Monroe Township Police Department
Following an extensive investigation, police said they were able to trace the getaway vehicle to two suspects, who they identified as 38-year-old Betty Jo Lane and 39-year-old Jmarr McNeil, both of Jacksonville, Florida.
Prosecutors said Lane and McNeil were hired to carry out the attack by 49-year-old William DiBernardino, of Boynton Beach, Florida.
The victim “had a prior relationship” with DiBernardino, the prosecutor’s office said.
All three suspects were taken into custody in Florida, the office said. Lane and McNeil were extradited to New Jersey on Tuesday, according to the Boynton Beach police.
They have each been charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon and stalking.
It was not immediately clear if the suspects had retained attorneys.
Three individuals have been arrested in connection with a horrific acid attack on a woman in New Jersey. The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, suffered severe burns to her face and body as a result of the attack, which took place in broad daylight in a residential neighborhood.
According to authorities, the three suspects are believed to have targeted the victim in a premeditated attack. The motive for the attack remains unclear, but investigators are working to determine the circumstances that led to this violent act.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many residents expressing outrage and disbelief that such a heinous crime could occur in their neighborhood. The victim is currently receiving medical treatment for her injuries, but the long-term effects of the attack remain unknown.
Acid attacks are a particularly cruel and devastating form of violence, often resulting in permanent disfigurement and psychological trauma for the victims. In recent years, there has been a rise in acid attacks around the world, prompting calls for stricter laws and harsher penalties for those who commit such crimes.
The arrest of the three individuals in connection with this attack is a step towards justice for the victim and a message to others that such acts of violence will not be tolerated. It is important for communities to come together to support victims of violence and work towards preventing such atrocities from happening in the future.
As the investigation into this acid attack continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. By working together, we can help bring those responsible to justice and ensure that our communities remain safe for all residents.
