Police have charged three Florida residents in connection with an acid attack against a Monroe Township woman at her home on July 26, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office.
The unidentified 42-year-old victim suffered chemical burns over 35% of her body and was airlifted to a burn center, where she is still being treated, according to a release from the prosecutor. The liquid used in the attack is believed to be a highly caustic acid.
Police were initially called to a residence in the Forrest Hills development, where they learned the victim had returned home from work and parked in her driveway. As she opened her car door, she was approached by an unknown female who threw a cup and its liquid contents at her. The unidenified assailant fled the area in a silver/grey vehicle.
Police later determined the vehicle was registered to and rented from an agency in Florida, according to the prosecutor. Two suspects – 38-year-old Betty Jo Lane and 39-year old Jamarr McNeil, both of Jacksonville, Florida – were recruited by 49-year-old William DiBernardino of Boynton Beach, Florida, to carry out the attack. DiBernardino had a prior relationship with the victim.
The suspects were apprehended in Florida and each has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder and aggravated assault, among other charges. They remain in Florida pending return to New Jersey.
The prosecutor’s office encourages any witnesses with information on the assault to call its detective, Jordan Plitt, at (856) 384-5583 or Monroe Det. Jennifer Skala at (856) 728-9800, ext. 534. Information can also be e-mailed to the prosecutor’s office at tips@co.gloucester.nj.us.
