Three Florida residents have been arrested for allegedly orchestrating a brutal acid attack on a New Jersey woman, leaving her with severe burns over 35% of her body.
At a Glance
- Three Florida residents arrested for alleged paid acid attack in New Jersey
- Victim suffered chemical burns over 35% of her body
- Attack allegedly orchestrated by victim’s ex-boyfriend
- Suspects charged with conspiracy to commit murder and other offenses
Shocking Attack in New Jersey Neighborhood
On July 26, a quiet neighborhood in Monroe Township, New Jersey, became the scene of a horrific crime. A 42-year-old woman, returning home from work, was ambushed in her driveway by an assailant who threw a cup of highly caustic acid at her. The attack left the victim with severe chemical burns covering more than a third of her body, necessitating her immediate airlift to a specialized burn center.
The brutality of the assault shocked local residents. Jim Glinske, a neighbor who heard the victim’s screams, described the scene: “I saw her car and it looked like there was an explosion inside her car.” The community’s sense of security was shattered, with another neighbor, Sahara Bair-Oates, remarking, “Even your worst enemy you wouldn’t think would do something like that.”
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. https://t.co/vrRdOOygnC
— ABC News (@ABC) August 21, 2024
Florida Connection Unveiled
As local law enforcement began their investigation, a startling connection to Florida emerged. The Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office revealed that the attack was allegedly orchestrated by 49-year-old William DiBernardino of Boynton Beach, Florida, who had a prior relationship with the victim. Authorities claim that DiBernardino hired two individuals from Jacksonville, Florida – 38-year-old Betty Jo Lane and 39-year-old Jmarr McNeil – to carry out the vicious assault.
“The liquid used in the attack is believed to be a highly caustic acid,” the prosecutor’s office said in a press release.
The investigation uncovered a chilling plot that spanned nearly a thousand miles. Lane and McNeil allegedly traveled from Florida to New Jersey, a journey of approximately 900 miles, with the sole purpose of executing this heinous act. The female suspect fled the scene in a silver or grey rental car from Florida, leaving behind a trail of evidence that would eventually lead to their arrest.
Swift Justice and Ongoing Investigation
In a testament to the dedication of law enforcement, Monroe Township officers traveled to Florida to assist in the investigation. Their efforts, in collaboration with multiple Florida law enforcement agencies, including the Boynton Beach Police Department, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Department, Fort Pierce Police Department, and the United States Marshal’s Service, led to the swift arrest of all three suspects.
The suspects now face a litany of serious charges, including conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, and stalking. They are currently being held in Florida, having waived extradition, and await their return to New Jersey to face justice.
As the legal process unfolds, the victim’s condition remains unknown, and the community continues to grapple with the shock of such a calculated and brutal attack in their midst. This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence to cross state lines and the importance of inter-agency cooperation in bringing perpetrators to justice.
