Home / Crime and Justice / Man Gets 40 Years for Setting Council Member on Fire
Man Gets 40 Years for Setting Council Member on Fire
28 Jun
Summary
- Attack motivated by alleged affair, victim suffered severe burns.
- Perpetrator sentenced to 40 years for attempted murder conviction.
- Victim faces extensive recovery, surgeries for burns and nerve damage.
A man was sentenced to 40 years in prison on Thursday for his role in a brutal attack that left a Virginia city council member severely burned. The perpetrator, Shotsie Buck-Hayes, admitted to setting Danville City Council Member Lee Vogler ablaze in July 2025 following accusations of an affair between Vogler and Buck-Hayes' wife.
Vogler sustained second- and third-degree burns over 60% of his body, necessitating extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts and surgeries for complications like pneumonia and septic shock. His wife testified that his recovery is a long road, involving orthopedic surgeries and procedures to regain hand functionality.
Buck-Hayes pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding. During his sentencing, he offered an apology while maintaining his actions were driven by the alleged affair, which has not been substantiated. His attorneys intend to appeal the sentence and note he is not a U.S. citizen.
Despite the severity of his injuries, Vogler was discharged from the hospital earlier than expected and returned to his first city council meeting in October 2025. He was initially elected in 2012, becoming the youngest person to hold the position.
