Bethany MaGee, 26-Year-Old Chicago Woman, Set on Fire on CTA Train—Suspect Lawrence Reed, Career Offender With 72 Arrests, Was Out on Bond

Illinois officials have identified 26-year-old Bethany MaGee as the woman who was set on fire earlier this month on Chicago’s CTA Blue Line by 50-year-old Lawrence Reed, a career criminal with more than 72 prior arrests. MaGee, of Upland, Indiana, suffered severe burns but managed to escape the train before collapsing on the platform. She is expected to remain hospitalized for at least three months as she undergoes extensive surgery and rehabilitation. Prior to the attack, MaGee worked as an analyst for Caterpillar.

According to federal prosecutors, the assault occurred on November 17 when Reed approached MaGee, who was sitting with her back to him and reading her phone. Reed reportedly poured gasoline over her head and body and then ignited it, leaving her engulfed in flames. Despite her severe injuries, MaGee managed to flee the train, where two bystanders rushed to her aid until paramedics arrived. Surveillance footage later showed Reed purchasing gasoline roughly 20 minutes before the attack.

Suspect Lawrence Reed, Career Offender With 72 Arrests, Was Out on Bond

Reed, a long-time violent offender, was arrested the next day and now faces federal terrorism charges, which carry the possibility of the death penalty. Federal prosecutors detailed his extensive criminal history: 72 prior arrests, eight felony and seven misdemeanor convictions, and 53 criminal cases in Cook County dating back to 1993, including prior aggravated arson and multiple assaults. Despite this record, he had only served 2½ years in total behind bars and was out on bond at the time of the CTA attack. In one notable case, Reed allegedly assaulted a social worker at a psychiatric facility, causing lasting injuries. Federal prosecutors had requested he remain detained, but a judge released him on electronic monitoring.

Bethany MaGee, 26-Year-Old Chicago Woman, Set on Fire on CTA Train—Suspect Lawrence Reed, Career Offender With 72 Arrests, Was Out on Bond

During his first federal court appearance, Reed repeatedly shouted, “I plead guilty, I plead guilty, I plead guilty.” When U.S. Magistrate Judge Laura McNally informed him that he faced life in prison if convicted, he responded casually, “It’s cool, it’s cool, it’s cool.” Prosecutors argued for Reed’s continued detention, calling him a “clear danger and persistent threat of terror to the community.” ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Christopher Amon said, “Reed had plenty of second chances… and as a result you have an innocent victim in the hospital fighting for her life.”

The attack has drawn attention to the release of violent offenders and raised comparisons to the September murder of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska on a Blue Line train in Charlotte, North Carolina, who was killed by a man with a lengthy history of mental illness and violent behavior while on cashless bail. As MaGee continues her recovery, officials and community members are calling for accountability for a system that repeatedly allowed a dangerous criminal like Reed to be on the streets.