Serial criminal sets innocent woman on fire months after release 

A 26-year-old woman was covered in gasoline and set on fire in a vicious, unprovoked attack on the Chicago subway Nov 17.

Bethany MaGee was riding the inbound Blue Line train around 9:30 p.m. when the suspect, 50-year-old Lawrence Reed, doused her in gasoline from a bottle, according to multiple media reports. MaGee tried to escape the attacker but he followed her, holding the bottle which he had set on fire. Reed threw the bottle at her, causing her to ignite. 

She attempted to put the flames out by rolling on the subway floor and eventually exited the train car onto the platform, where bystanders helped her extinguish the fire. 

Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson appeared unworried by the attack, saying his current investments are still on track to “build the safest, most affordable big city in America.”  

“This is an isolated incident. I don’t see this as some sort of trend,” he said.   

The suspect is a repeat criminal who has been arrested at least 72 times, most recently charged with aggravated battery in August after attacking a woman and knocking her unconscious in a psychiatric hospital. 

Despite prosecutors’ request to keep him in custody for that attack, Reed was released on bond with an ankle monitor and was allowed to leave his home during the week for some daytime hours. The hours were extended to include weekends just three weeks after his release, according to CWB Chicago. 

Now Reed faces a federal charge of terrorism, which has a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment. 

“Reed had plenty of second chances by the criminal justice system, and as a result, you have an innocent victim in the hospital fighting for her life,” said Chris Amon, special agent in charge of Chicago’s bureau of alcohol, tobacco and firearms.  

Despite being electronically monitored, security footage shows Reed at a gas station 20 minutes prior to the incident filling a bottle with gasoline and later in the train car performing the assault. The monitoring system on Reed only tracked his location, and the program by design doesn’t send authorities out when someone fails to report home, according to CWB Chicago.  

Judge Laura McNally ordered Reed to remain in custody pending trial and to undergo a mental evaluation. 

During his first federal court hearing on Nov. 19, Reed allegedly yelled “I plead guilty!” multiple times in the courtroom and declared he would be representing himself. He also said he agrees with the decision regarding his detainment.  

“I don’t feel safe out there … I don’t feel safe to society … I’m a target from society,” he said.  

MaGee was taken to the hospital in critical condition following the attack, suffering from severe burns. Her family has launched a GoFundMe page and says they plan to spend Thanksgiving by her side.

“We would like to thank everyone for their prayers and well-wishes as our daughter receives care for her injuries sustained earlier this week,” the family said.