Florida trio charged in South Jersey acid attack

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A man from Florida hired two people to throw acid at a woman in New Jersey who he had a prior relationship with, according to investigators. All three are now facing attempted murder charges.

Gloucester County prosecutors said William DiBernardino recruited and paid Betty Jo Lane and Jmarr McNeil to drive from Jacksonville, Florida to Monroe Township, New Jersey to carry out the July 26 attack.

The 42-year-old victim had just returned to her home in the Forest Hills development and was getting out of her car when Lane walked up and threw a liquid at her, police said. Investigators determined it was a highly caustic acid. The woman suffered burns on 35% of her body and was airlifted to a burn center, where she is still being treated.

Investigators said Lane and McNeil rented a car and drove from Florida to New Jersey to specifically attack the victim. They have each been charged with conspiracy to commit murder, aggravated assault, stalking and related offenses.

(Photo credit: Monroe Township Police Department)