A Chicago judge disregarded explicit warnings from prosecutors about a dangerous suspect's likelihood to commit further violent crimes, court documents reveal, before the same man allegedly set a woman on fire during her evening commute.
Judicial Decision With Tragic Consequences
Cook County Judge Teresa Molina-Gonzalez permitted Lawrence Reed, a 50-year-old with nearly 50 prior arrests, to be released on an ankle monitor last August after he assaulted a social worker. This decision came despite prosecutors cautioning that Reed possessed an extensive criminal record and that his next offence would likely be violent in nature.
According to court transcripts obtained by CWB Chicago, Judge Molina-Gonzalez defended her position by stating: "I can't keep everybody in jail because the State's Attorney wants me to." This ruling would have devastating consequences months later.
Horrific Transit Attack
This week, federal authorities charged Reed with terrorism offences after he allegedly approached a 26-year-old woman on Chicago's transit system Monday night and set her ablaze in an unprovoked attack. The victim, who hasn't been publicly identified, was simply sitting on the train using her phone when Reed allegedly poured gasoline over her head and body.
A criminal affidavit filed in federal court describes how Reed repeatedly shouted "burn alive b***h" during the assault. Security footage shows the victim desperately trying to fight off her attacker before running toward the front of the train carriage. Reed then allegedly ignited the bottle in his hand, causing the woman's body to become engulfed in flames.
Systemic Failures and Disturbing Parallels
Investigators obtained additional security footage showing Reed allegedly filling a container with gasoline at a service station just 20 minutes before the random attack. The assault occurred around 9:24pm on Monday, outside the hours Reed was permitted to leave his home while on electronic monitoring.
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 and began throwing gasoline on her." He specifically refuted claims that any altercation preceded the violence.
The case has drawn comparisons to the killing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina, on August 22. Both suspects had extensive criminal histories. Reed's record includes multiple felony convictions spanning three decades.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy commented on social media platform X: "This horrific attack is EXACTLY why we need communities to take safety seriously. Blue cities cannot allow another Iryna Zarutska to happen."
The victim collapsed upon reaching the station platform, where multiple witnesses provided assistance until emergency services arrived. Her family released a statement thanking well-wishers and acknowledging the care provided by Stroger Hospital's burn team.
Reed was arrested Tuesday afternoon, apparently wearing the same clothing from the attack and displaying fire-related injuries on his hand. Records show that in September, Judge Ralph Meczyk had extended Reed's permitted hours outside his home, though Mondays weren't included in those expanded privileges.
