Horrific Chicago Metro Attack Leaves Young Woman With Severe Burns
A 26-year-old woman faces a lengthy recovery after being set alight by a stranger on Chicago's Blue Line metro, with her family revealing she suffered burns to 60 percent of her body during the random attack.
Bethany MaGee, from Upland in Indiana, was doused in gasoline and set on fire while travelling on November 17, according to court documents. Despite her horrific injuries, she managed to escape the train and survive the assault.
Family's Heartbreaking Appeal
In an emotional update shared through an online fundraiser on Tuesday, MaGee's parents Greg and Emily, along with brothers Mark and John, described the challenging journey ahead. "She is currently hospitalised with the severe burns she sustained, and she is receiving treatment under the excellent care of her medical team," they wrote.
The family painted a picture of Bethany as a "beloved daughter, sister, sister-in-law, granddaughter, and aunt" known for her gentle nature and inclusive personality. "She is sensitive, caring, intelligent, and imaginative," they shared, noting her love for Chicago and her particular connection with animals.
An animal lover and active churchgoer who graduated from Purdue University, MaGee worked as an analyst for heavy goods manufacturer Caterpillar and enjoyed playing tabletop and video games with her community.
While her medical expenses are mostly covered by insurance and a victim's fund, the family has appealed for $24,000 to support her recovery, stating that "with such a long road ahead of her, the freedom from financial worries would be a tremendous blessing."
Violent Criminal History Revealed
The alleged attacker, 50-year-old Lawrence Reed, has been identified as a serial criminal with 72 prior arrests, raising serious questions about the justice system's handling of repeat offenders.
Court records reveal that Reed had been released months earlier by Cook County Judge Teresa Molina-Gonzalez despite prosecutors warning that his next crime would "likely be violent." The judge reportedly responded, "I can't keep everybody in jail because the state's attorney wants me to."
Surveillance footage obtained by investigators shows Reed filling a container with gasoline at a station just 20 minutes before the attack. The criminal affidavit describes how he approached MaGee while she was on her phone and repeatedly yelled "burn alive b***h" before dousing her in fuel.
US Attorney Andrew Boutros confirmed the attack was completely random, stating "this young woman was on her phone, going through her phone, minding her business, when [Reed] approached her."
Political Fallout and Similar Cases
The Trump Administration seized on the incident to criticise Chicago's approach to violent crime, with White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson telling media that "violent crime in Chicago is out of control" and blaming Democratic leadership.
The case has drawn comparisons to the killing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, who had her throat cut while travelling on a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 22. Both suspects had extensive criminal backgrounds.
According to updates from her church community, MaGee suffered the most serious burns on her left arm and hand. She underwent surgery earlier this week and is expected to remain in hospital for at least three months for treatment and rehabilitation.
Witnesses described harrowing scenes at the Clark and Lake station where MaGee collapsed after escaping the burning train car. One commuter recalled using their coat to smother the flames, while another noted the "entire station smelled like burnt hair" and criticised bystanders who filmed the incident rather than helping.
Reed now faces federal terrorism charges and was arrested wearing the same clothes seen during the attack, with investigators noting he had "fire-related injuries" on his hand.
