Authorities have arrested three Florida residents in connection to an acid attack on a New Jersey woman that left her with severe burns. The suspects, identified as Betty Jo Lane, Jmarr McNeil, and William DiBernardino, have been charged with various serious offenses related to the attack.
The incident occurred on July 26 when the victim, a 42-year-old woman, returned home from work and was approached by an unknown female who threw a cup of liquid, believed to be a highly caustic acid, at her. The victim suffered chemical burns on over 35% of her body and was airlifted to a burn center for treatment.
Investigators determined that Lane and McNeil, both residents of Jacksonville, were hired and compensated by DiBernardino, who resides in Boynton Beach, to carry out the attack. The suspects traveled from Florida to New Jersey specifically for this purpose.
The three 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. They are currently being held in Florida pending extradition to New Jersey.
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. The authorities are working diligently to ensure justice is served in this disturbing case.