NJ Man Accused of Burning Girlfriend During Camping Trip

A romantic camping trip in the New Jersey Pine Barrens allegedly devolved into violence when a man set his girlfriend on fire, authorities reported. Justin D. Martin, 36, of Saddle Brook, faces charges of attempted murder and aggravated arson for the Oct. 15 incident.

According to court documents, the injured woman managed to find a worker in the woods who called 911. She told the worker that her boyfriend had attempted to kill and burn her before escaping in a Chrysler 200. Emergency responders found the woman conscious but suffering from burns and smoke inhalation. She was transported to Temple University Burn Center in Philadelphia, where she was reported in stable condition.

Investigators noted that the victim's mother had previously reported Martin for verbal abuse and a prior incident where he allegedly abandoned her daughter at the Freehold Raceway Mall. In that instance, a stranger reportedly assisted the woman in contacting her mother.

On the day of the alleged attack, the woman visited her mother's home around 9 a.m. to gather camping supplies before heading out. Later, Martin reportedly called the victim's mother, claiming they had argued and he had left the campsite. Shortly after, the mother received word from emergency responders about her daughter's injuries.

Investigators located Martin's Chrysler 200 in Asbury Park, with evidence of sandy terrain observed on the vehicle. Martin was found in the car with two other individuals. One claimed to have been asleep in the back seat and unaware of the events. Martin declined to speak with investigators and requested an attorney. He was arrested on Oct. 16 and is being held at the Ocean County Jail in Toms River. The investigation is ongoing.