My Ex Tried To Kill Me With Acid: NJ Woman Shares Recovery Story After Near-Fatal Attack

Editor's note: Victims of domestic violence and people who may be at risk can view their county's resources, call the New Jersey hotline at 1-800-572-SAFE (7233), or contact the national domestic-violence hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). For emergencies, call 911.

MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ — The victim of an acid attack in South Jersey says her ex-fiancé hired a woman to kill her in a revenge plot. Months later, she's on a long road toward recovery.

Last summer, a man was accused of recruiting two people to throw highly caustic acid at his ex — a Monroe Township resident. The man's assailants traveled to New Jersey and ambushed the victim in her driveway, according to the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office.

The victim sustained chemical burns on 35 percent of her body and was flown to a burn center. A woman identified herself as the victim in a GoFundMe she launched a few days ago. She goes by the name Diane M in the online fundraiser.

• Read more: South Jersey Woman Burned In Acid Attack; Florida Man Hired Pair To Do It: Prosecutor

Diane's medical bills have been "astronomical," and she hasn't been able to return to work yet, she said on the GoFundMe. The acid also totaled her car by burning holes through the metal.

Diane was in an abusive relationship for 13 years until she broke away in March, she says.

"As a result of my 'disobedience' my ex-fiancé hired a female to kill me," Diane wrote on the GoFundMe.

Diane, a critical care nurse, returned from her night shift on July 26. As she tried getting out of her car, a woman dumped a container of sulfuric acid on her, she says.

The victim underwent seven surgeries at the burn center, where she was treated for 76 days.

She intends to come back "stronger than ever," she said.

"Although my body will never look or feel the same I am working hard everyday to regain my courage and strength," Diane said. "I intend to tell my story to the world and work with victims of domestic violence to help them realize it’s never too late to seek a better safer life."

In late August, three Florida residents were arrested for their alleged roles in the incident. William DiBernardino hired Betty Jo Lane and Jmarr McNeil to travel to New Jersey and carry out the attack, authorities said.

The suspects were extradited to New Jersey, where they'll remain jailed as the criminal case plays out.

They were all charged with the following:

• conspiracy to commit murder (first-degree)
• attempted murder (first-degree)
• aggravated assault (second-degree)
• possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose (third-degree)
• stalking (fourth-degree)

Diane's GoFundMe has generated $1,440 toward her $200,000 goal as of this writing. See the online fundraiser here.