Authorities have arrested three individuals in Florida in connection to an acid attack on a New Jersey woman that left her with severe burns on over 35% of her body. According to the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office, the suspects have been identified as Betty Jo Lane, Jmarr McNeil, and William DiBernardino.
Investigators believe that Lane and McNeil were hired by DiBernardino to carry out the attack on the victim, who had a previous relationship with DiBernardino. The suspects have been charged with first-degree conspiracy to commit murder, first-degree attempted murder, second-degree aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and stalking.
The attack took place on July 26 when the victim returned home from work and was approached by an unknown female who threw a cup of what is believed to be a highly caustic acid at her. The victim suffered chemical burns and was airlifted to a burn center for treatment.
Lane and McNeil, both residents of Jacksonville, Florida, were recruited and compensated by DiBernardino, who resides in Boynton Beach, Florida, to carry out the attack. The suspects traveled to New Jersey specifically for this purpose.
The suspects are currently being held in Florida and will be extradited to New Jersey to face charges. The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, US Marshals Service, Florida Highway Patrol, Boynton Beach Police, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Department.
