The Tragedy of Bethany MaGee: A Call for Justice in the Wake of Violence

The Gruesome Attack

On November 17, 2025, in a chilling incident aboard a CTA Blue Line train in Chicago, Bethany MaGee, a 26-year-old woman, was horrifically set on fire, allegedly by a man with a long and violent criminal history. This act of violence starkly reveals the failures of our criminal justice system—a system that should protect the innocent, yet too often fails to do so.

Who Was Bethany MaGee?

Described by friends and neighbors as a kind and hardworking individual from a tight-knit Christian community in Upland, Indiana, Bethany was known for her intelligence and gentle demeanor. A former classmate noted,

"She [is] incredibly smart. Very soft spoken, very gentle, very smart."

Her parents raised her in a loving environment, prioritizing education and values that uplift the community. She even excelled academically, taking honors classes in high school.

A Community in Mourning

The community is grappling with this tragedy, keeping Bethany and her family in their thoughts and prayers. A neighbor stated,

"They are a wonderful family… about as loving as you can be."

However, as they process their grief, a more significant question looms above: How could a career criminal, with 72 arrests to his name, be free to roam the streets?

Criminal History of Lawrence Reed

The man accused of this heinous act, 50-year-old Lawrence Reed, had previously cycled through the criminal justice system for decades. Alarmingly, Reed was on bond at the time of the attack, violating electronic monitoring restrictions leading up to the incident. Cook County Judge Teresa Molina-Gonzalez had recently denied a prosecution request to keep him jailed, stating,

"I can't keep everybody in jail because the State's Attorney wants me to."

This troubling judicial sentiment raises urgent concerns about the adequacy of our legal framework in keeping communities safe.

A Systemic Failure

The White House weighed in on the matter, condemning liberal soft-on-crime policies and expressing outrage that Reed was not behind bars, stating,

"Liberal soft-on-crime policies are FAILING American communities and endangering law-abiding citizens."

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of a system that fails to prioritize public safety.

A Graver Need for Justice

As we witness such brutal acts, it is imperative that we open a serious discussion about justice reform and accountability. The attackers, especially those with chronic criminal backgrounds, must be dealt with more stringently. The system must empower law-abiding citizens and ensure safety in our communities.

Looking Ahead

While Bethany's family is devastated, we must advocate for significant systemic changes to prevent future tragedies. Justice for Bethany means holding not just her attacker accountable but also re-evaluating the oversight—and prevailing leniency—of our criminal justice system. As we move forward, we must reflect on this tragedy and support reforms that prioritize public safety and justice for victims.

The Path Forward

We cannot ignore the fact that those with long histories of violence pose a real danger when allowed back into society. We need comprehensive reform, from harsher sentencing for violent offenders to better support programs aimed at rehabilitation that do not endanger the public. Only then can we hope to honor Bethany's story, preventing future violence and creating safer communities for everyone.