26-Year-Old Chicago Woman Set on Fire on CTA Train by Serial Offender With 72 Arrests

 

Illinois officials have identified 26-year-old Bethany MaGee as the victim of a shocking attack earlier this month, where she was deliberately set on fire aboard a Chicago L train by a repeat violent offender with an extensive criminal history.

MaGee, an Indiana native and Caterpillar analyst, sustained severe burns but managed to escape the train. She is expected to remain hospitalized for months while undergoing multiple surgeries and rehabilitation.

The suspect, 50-year-old Lawrence Reed — a career criminal with more than 72 prior arrests — has been charged federally with terrorism. Reed, who was out on bond at the time, allegedly poured gasoline over MaGee before igniting it, chasing her as she fled and setting her ablaze. Two bystanders helped her once she collapsed on the platform.

Surveillance footage shows Reed purchasing gasoline minutes before the attack. He was arrested the following day.

Federal prosecutors described Reed as a long-time danger who has cycled in and out of the justice system for over three decades, with numerous felonies, arson charges, assaults, and repeated violent offenses. Despite multiple warnings from prosecutors, he had repeatedly been released on bond.

Authorities say the attack highlights deep failures in addressing repeat violent offenders. Reed is now being held at the Metropolitan Correctional Center and faces charges that could carry the death penalty.

The assault has drawn comparisons to other recent violent attacks on public transit, raising renewed concerns about passenger safety.