The alleged attacker who set alight a young woman on a Chicago metro train has been described as a ‘serial criminal’ with 72 prior offences.
During her travels on the city’s Blue Line on Monday night, 26-year-old Bethany MaGee had gasoline poured over her and was set alight.
MaGee, from Indiana, managed to flee the train and survive, but has suffered burns to 60% of her body.
The police has named Lawrence Reed, 50, as a suspect in the case.
Reed was reportedly freed in August this year by a judge after he allegedly attacked a social worker.
Surveillance footage shows MaGee siting in the train before the attacker poured gasoline over her head and body.
A criminal affidavit filed in federal court alleged that Reed approached MaGee and repeatedly yelled ‘burn alive b***h.’
Cook County Judge Teresa Molina-Gonzalez is receiving criticism for her decision to release Reed on an ankle monitor a few months prior to this incident.
In the social worker attack case, the prosecutor warned Judge Molina-Gonzalez that Reed had multiple previous offences and his next crime would ‘likely be violent.’
According to transcripts quoted by CWB Chicago, the judge said after releasing Reed: ‘I can’t keep everybody in jail because the state’s attorney wants me to.’
Transport secretary Sean Duffy, who publicly identified MaGee wrote in a statement: ‘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.
‘This would never have happened if this thug had been behind bars. Yet Chicago lets repeat offenders roam the streets.
‘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 posted on X: ‘This horrific attack is EXACTLY why we need communities to take safety seriously. Blue cities cannot allow another Iryna Zarutska to happen.’
Iryna Zarutska, 23, was a Ukrainian refugee who was stabbed to death on the Lynx Blue Line, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Decarlos Brown, 34, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
According to court records, Brown had been arrested multiple times since 2011 with charges including felony larceny, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and communicating threats.
MaGee’s family’s statement said: ‘We would like to thank everyone for their prayers and well-wishes as our daughter receives care for injuries sustained earlier this week.
‘We are also grateful for the excellent care and support of the burn team at Stroger Hospital.’
MaGee had surgery earlier this week and is expected to be in hospital for treatment and rehabilitation for at least three months.
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