Florida police have arrested three people for plotting an acid attack on a New Jersey woman. A statement from the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office said William DiBernardino paid 38-year-old Betty Jo Lane and 39-year-old Jmarr McNeil to drive from Florida to New Jersey and throw acid over the unnamed 42-year-old victim.
The attack happened as the victim arrived home from work. As she got out of her car, a woman ran toward her and threw a cup of “highly caustic acid” directly at her. The victim suffered severe burns over 35% of her body and is undergoing treatment.
The prosecuting attorney’s statement revealed that Lane and McNeil made the journey from Florida in a rental car, which police were later able to trace. The suspects were charged with conspiracy to commit murder, criminal attempted murder in the first degree, aggravated assault, and other offenses.
Criminal statistics show that the number of acid attacks in the US grew by 70% between 2021 and 2022. Figures also show that female victims now outnumber men for the first time. Europe is experiencing a similar growth, with attacks up 75% since last year in the UK.
In March, a young Arizona woman opened up to the media about a horrific attack she endured almost a decade earlier. Tonya Murillo was assaulted after answering her front door to find a man kneeling on her doorstep holding a jar of liquid. He threw it at her as she tried to close the door, causing significant injuries to her arms, chest, and lungs. Police confirmed the substance was battery acid, but they have yet to find the culprit, who the victim said was a stranger.
Murillo underwent several surgeries and spent more than a month in a specialist burn unit. She said the pain is sometimes still so intense that she can’t sleep. Nevertheless, Ms. Murillo stated that she forgives her attacker, whoever it may be. “I will never forget because I have the scars, but I do forgive all those involved. Not for them, but for myself,” she said.
