A woman who was doused in petrol and set alight by a serial offender in an attack on a train has been named for the first time.
Bethany MaGee, 26, was attacked whilst travelling on Chicago’s Blue Line metro service on November 17.
The 26-year-old, who works as a business research analyst at Caterpillar, suffered burns to 60 per cent of her body after the attack.
Police have identified the suspect as Lawrence Reed, 50, who has 72 previous arrests on his record.
Reed had been freed by a judge several months before the incident, despite prosecutors cautioning that his next offence would probably involve violence.
The suspect was wearing an ankle monitor at the time of the attack, having been released from jail following an August assault on a social worker.
Ms MaGee hails from Upland, Indiana, and completed a degree at Purdue’s Polytechnic Institute before joining Caterpillar.
Her father, Dr Gregory MaGee, teaches Biblical studies at Taylor University in Indiana.
Bethany MaGee suffered burns to 60 per cent of her body after the attack
The alleged victim’s social media profiles show she has close relationships with her parents Emily and Gregory, along with brothers Mark and John, and is passionate about animals.
Reed, meanwhile, has a extensive criminal record spanning three decades and numerous felony convictions.
During his most recent court appearance in August, prosecutors explicitly warned Cook County Judge Teresa Molina-Gonzalez about Reed’s dangerous history.
Despite these warnings, the judge released him, claiming she couldn’t “keep everybody in jail because the state’s attorney wants me to”.
Lawrence Reed has a extensive criminal record spanning three decades and numerous felony convictions
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CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT
CCTV footage from Monday’s attack captured Reed approaching Ms MaGee whilst she was using her mobile phone, before pouring petrol over her head and body.
The criminal affidavit states Reed shouted “burn alive b***h” repeatedly during the assault.
Ms MaGee fought back before fleeing towards the front of the carriage as Reed ignited the liquid.
She collapsed at Clark and Lake station after escaping the train, with her most severe injuries affecting her left arm and hand.
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CCTV footage from Monday’s attack captured Reed approaching Ms MaGee whilst she was using her mobile phone, before pouring petrol over her head and body
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US ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
Hospital staff expect her recovery to take at least three months.
One witness described removing their coat to smother the flames, whilst another passenger comforted MaGee as they waited for paramedics.
Reed faces federal terrorism charges and was arrested wearing clothes matching those seen in the attack footage.
US Transport Secretary Sean Duffy publicly identified Ms MaGee on Sunday, posting her photograph alongside a statement condemning the attack.
The incident has prompted comparisons to the August killing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska
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CHARLOTTE AREA TRANSIT SYSTEM/WBTV NEWS“It is devastating that a career criminal with 72 PRIOR ARRESTS is now accused of attacking 26-year-old Bethany MaGee on Chicago’s L train, and setting her on fire,” Mr Duffy wrote.
The incident has prompted comparisons to the August killing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a light rail service in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The White House, meanwhile, has used Ms MaGee’s train attack to back deploying the National Guard to Chicago.
“This tragic crime should have never happened and it sadly highlights the dangers of Democrat control,” White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told the Daily Mail.
