Staff Reports
Three individuals from Florida found themselves in the hot seat after being linked to a shocking acid attack on a 42-year-old woman in New Jersey. According to reports, the incident occurred on July 26, when the victim was ambushed by a mysterious female who decided that a cup of corrosive liquid was the perfect way to express, well, whatever it is that goes through a person’s mind before they commit a crime. Instead of high-fives and heartfelt congratulations, this attack left the woman facing severe chemical burns covering more than 35 percent of her body.
The New Jersey Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office has stated that this wasn’t just a casual encounter gone wrong; the suspects allegedly tracked down the victim and poured “liquid contents” directly onto her. What exactly that “liquid contents” comprised is no mystery—prosecutors have identified it as a highly acidic acid. A good reminder of the sorts of things that happen when the government starts getting too cozy with crime policies instead of ensuring public safety.
3 arrested for acid attack on woman in #MonroeTownship, #NewJersey
Ex-boyfriend William DiBernardino, 49, hired Betty Jo Lane, 38, & Jmarr McNeil, 39, to commit attack
Victim, 42, suffered chemical burns on 35% of body, still in burn center
🙏 #TrueCrime pic.twitter.com/Yw4QP0kvWg
— True Crime Updates (@TrueCrimeUpdat) August 22, 2024
After the deplorable act, the attackers didn’t stick around for an encore; they fled the scene faster than a politician sprinting away from accountability. Authorities, however, were already hot on their trail. The getaway vehicle was traced back to two suspects, Betty Jo Lane and Jmarr McNeil, both in their late 30s. As if that wasn’t enough to raise eyebrows, it turns out a 49-year-old named William DiBernardino may have orchestrated the whole debacle from the shadows, lending credence to the theory that crime really does pay—if you have the right friends in low places.
What’s more, prosecutors have indicated that the suspects had some sort of established relationship with the victim, adding a whole new layer of complexity to this sad saga. The motives for such a heinous crime remain murky, but it seems likely that this isn’t just a random outburst of rage; it smells all too familiar, reminiscent of personal vendettas that don’t often make headlines in a landscape best known for beach vacations and retiree delights.
Now, all three miscreants have been deported back to New Jersey and will soon face the music for a litany of serious charges, including conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, and stalking. As officials prepare their case against these Florida residents, one can’t help but ponder whether a bit of Sunshine State charm led them to think they could play fast and loose with the law. In an age where lawlessness seems increasingly tolerated, there’s something eerily satisfying about seeing justice chase down criminals, even if it takes a bit longer than a police car can chase a getaway vehicle.
