3 Florida residents arrested after Gloucester County woman targeted in apparent acid attack

MONROE TOWNSHIP, New Jersey (WPVI) -- Three Florida residents were taken into custody after a woman in Gloucester County, New Jersey, was targeted in an apparent acid attack last month.

The incident happened at a residence in the Forrest Hills development in Monroe Township on July 26.

According to police, a 42-year-old woman had just returned home from work and had parked in her driveway when the incident occurred.

As the victim opened her car door, police say she was approached by another woman who threw a cup of liquid directly at the victim.

That liquid is believed to be a highly caustic acid, which left the victim with chemical burns over 35% of her body, according to authorities.

Action News spoke to a neighbor who said he heard the woman's screams and came over to help.

"At first I thought it was an animal attacking another animal and then I thought, 'Well that sounds like a woman's voice,'" recalled Jim Glinske.

"I saw her car and it looked like there was an explosion inside her car," he added.

The victim was airlifted to a burn center where she remains in an unknown condition.

"I just hope and pray for the best for her," said Glinske.

The female suspect reportedly fled the scene in a silver or grey vehicle.

Investigators later determined that the car was registered to a rental agency in Florida.

Authorities believe two suspects, 38-year-old Betty Jo Lane and 39-year-old Jmarr McNeil of Jacksonville, Florida, were paid by 49-year-old William DiBernardino of Boynton Beach, Florida to attack the victim.

DiBernardino reportedly had a prior relationship with the victim, police say.

Lane and McNeil allegedly traveled 900 miles in the rental car to New Jersey to specifically carry out this incident.

"Even your worst enemy you wouldn't think would do something like that," noted Sahara Bair-Oates, a neighbor of the victim.

Officers from Monroe Township traveled to Florida to continue and assist in the investigation, where the three suspects were apprehended.

Each suspect has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder, aggravated assault, stalking, and other related offenses.

Authorities say they are being held in Florida pending their return to the Garden State. Each defendant waived extradition.