Bethany MaGee, just 26 years old, is fighting for her life after a horrific attack on a Chicago train. Friends and neighbors describe her as a kind, hardworking woman deeply rooted in the values of her close-knit, small-town family.
Those who knew Bethany growing up remember a bright and gentle spirit. A former classmate recalled her as “incredibly smart,” noting her quiet demeanor and dedication to her studies, where she excelled in honors classes.
Her hometown, a quiet community of under 4,000 people in Indiana, is reeling from the news. Residents are holding Bethany and her family in their thoughts and prayers as she remains in critical condition, battling severe burns.
The attack occurred on November 17th, aboard a CTA Blue Line train. Bethany was simply going about her evening when a man approached her from behind and doused her with gasoline.
According to authorities, the alleged attacker, 50-year-old Lawrence Reed, has a decades-long history of criminal activity. He was released on bond despite a recent incident where he allegedly knocked a social worker unconscious.
Court transcripts reveal a judge denied a request to keep Reed jailed, stating she “can’t keep everybody in jail because the State’s Attorney wants me to.” This decision allowed him to remain free, despite repeated violations of his electronic monitoring conditions in the weeks leading up to the attack.
Witnesses say Reed intentionally ignited the gasoline, setting Bethany ablaze as she desperately tried to escape. She had been quietly reading her phone, minding her own business, when the attack unfolded.
Bethany was raised in a loving and supportive family, a neighbor shared. The family is now understandably seeking privacy as they grapple with this unimaginable tragedy.
Federal prosecutors have charged Reed with committing a terrorist attack or violence against a mass transportation system. The investigation continues to uncover the full scope of his actions and the circumstances that led to this devastating event.
The small Indiana town where Bethany grew up, home to Taylor University, is now united in hope for her recovery. The community mourns alongside her family, praying for a miracle.
