Bethany MaGee Obituary, Death;- The 26-year-old victim, who was set ablaze by a career criminal with 72 prior arrests while on a Chicago L train last week, has been identified as Bethany MaGee.
“It is heartbreaking that a career criminal with 72 PRIOR ARRESTS is now charged with the attack on 26-year-old Bethany MaGee on Chicago’s L train, where he set her on fire,” stated Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
“This incident would not have occurred if this thug had been incarcerated. Yet, Chicago allows repeat offenders to roam freely on the streets.”
“The negligence of Chicago is endangering the American public. No individual should ever have to fear for their safety while using the subway,” Duffy added.
The appalling attack, which left MaGee in critical condition with severe burns on her face and body, took place on Monday, November 17, around 9 p.m. A security camera on the L train captured MaGee using her phone when the alleged assailant, Lawrence Reed, 50, approached her from behind and poured gasoline over her head.
He tried to ignite a flame as MaGee fled to the back of the train. However, Reed pursued her. Footage reveals that he ignited the gasoline, which he then used to set her on fire. While bystanders stood by without intervening, MaGee, engulfed in flames, fell to the floor and rolled in an attempt to extinguish the fire. Once the train halted, MaGee, still ablaze, exited the train and collapsed on the platform. Several bystanders on the platform rushed to her aid and helped put out the flames.
In the meantime, Reed left the train. Twenty minutes before the attack, he was seen at a gas station purchasing gasoline in a container.
The 50-year-old suspect has eight felony convictions and seven misdemeanor convictions. Just in August, he faced charges of aggravated battery for allegedly assaulting a woman at a psychiatric hospital. Despite prosecutors’ requests for his detention, Reed was released with an ankle monitor.
Reed appeared in court on Wednesday, where he entered a guilty plea.
“Lawrence Reed should not have been on the streets given his history of violent crime.
