Authorities have apprehended three individuals from Florida in relation to a disturbing incident involving an assault on a woman from New Jersey. The victim sustained severe burns covering over 35% of her body, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office.
According to a news release from the prosecutor’s office, investigators have determined that Betty Jo Lane, 38, and Jmarr McNeil, 39, were allegedly hired by William DiBernardino, 49, to carry out an attack on the victim in July. The victim had a past relationship with DiBernardino.
Three individuals have been apprehended in Florida and are facing serious charges in New Jersey, including conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and stalking, according to a statement.
According to prosecutors, the 42-year-old woman had just returned home from work and parked in the driveway of her Monroe Township residence moments before the July 26 attack.
“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 release said. It added, “The victim sustained chemical burns over 35 percent of her body and was airlifted to a burn center where she is still being treated,” the release said.
According to the release, the liquid is believed to be a highly caustic acid.
A female suspect managed to escape in a silver vehicle, which investigators later discovered had been rented in Florida.
According to officials, Lane and McNeil, who are both residents of Jacksonville, were allegedly recruited and paid by DiBernardino, from Boynton Beach, to carry out the attack. According to prosecutors, the pair traveled to New Jersey to attack the victim, using a rental car.
As stated in the release, the suspects have willingly agreed to be extradited and are currently being detained in Florida until they can be transferred to New Jersey.
Multiple federal and Florida law enforcement agencies collaborated in the investigation, including the FBI, US Marshals Service, Florida Highway Patrol, Boynton Beach Police, and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Department, according to the release.
Source: CNN