A horrifying petrol attack on Chicago's metro system has left a 26-year-old woman with life-changing injuries and raised serious questions about criminal justice after the alleged perpetrator was revealed to have 72 prior offences.
The Blue Line Horror
Bethany MaGee, from Indiana, was travelling on Chicago's Blue Line on Monday night when Lawrence Reed, 50, allegedly poured gasoline over her head and body before setting her alight. The 26-year-old managed to escape the train but sustained burns to 60% of her body in the vicious assault.
Surveillance footage from the train shows the moments before the attack, with MaGee sitting peacefully before Reed approached her. According to a criminal affidavit filed in federal court, Reed repeatedly shouted 'burn alive b***h' during the terrifying incident.
Serial Criminal's Troubled History
The alleged attacker has been described as a 'serial criminal' with an extensive record of 72 prior offences. Shockingly, Reed had been released from custody just months earlier by Cook County Judge Teresa Molina-Gonzalez, despite prosecutors warning that his next crime would 'likely be violent.'
In August this year, Judge Molina-Gonzalez released Reed on an ankle monitor after he allegedly attacked a social worker. When making her decision, the judge stated: 'I can't keep everybody in jail because the state's attorney wants me to,' according to court transcripts obtained by CWB Chicago.
Political Outrage and Public Safety Concerns
Transport secretary Sean Duffy, who publicly identified MaGee, expressed outrage at the system failure that allowed the attack to occur. 'This would never have happened if this thug had been behind bars,' Duffy wrote in a strongly-worded statement.
He continued: 'Chicago's carelessness is putting the American people at risk. No one should ever have to fear for their life on the subway.' Duffy also referenced the recent stabbing death of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on Charlotte's Lynx Blue Line, drawing parallels between the two tragic incidents.
MaGee's family has released a statement thanking well-wishers and medical staff. 'We would like to thank everyone for their prayers and well-wishes as our daughter receives care for injuries sustained earlier this week,' they said, expressing gratitude to the burn team at Stroger Hospital.
The young victim underwent surgery earlier this week and faces at least three months of hospital treatment and rehabilitation for her devastating injuries.
