Shotsie Buck-Hayes was sentenced to 40 years in prison on Thursday for setting a Virginia city council member on fire in an alleged jealous rage. Buck-Hayes pleaded guilty in April to attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding in the July 30, 2025, attack on Danville City Council Member Lee Vogler. Witnesses said Buck-Hayes walked into Vogler’s office with a bucket of gasoline, doused him, chased him from the building, and set him ablaze.
Core Facts and Sentencing
Buck-Hayes was sentenced to 10 years for attempted murder, with five years suspended, and 35 years for aggravated malicious wounding, with the remainder of a life sentence suspended. Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael Newman noted that the judge imposed a harsher sentence than the guidelines recommended, citing the severity of the crime. A breaking and entering charge was dropped as part of Buck-Hayes’ plea deal.
Victim’s Injuries and Impact
Blair Vogler, the council member’s wife, testified that Lee Vogler suffered second- and third-degree burns covering 60% of his body. She described his recovery as grueling, including infections, burn shock, septic shock, and smoke inhalation injuries. Vogler was airlifted to a burn unit and spent months recovering.
Motivation and Apology
Buck-Hayes claimed his actions were motivated by an alleged affair between Vogler and his wife, Mary Alice, who filed for divorce two weeks before the attack. During sentencing, Buck-Hayes offered what he described as an apology but maintained his belief in the affair, which has not been substantiated. Vogler also spoke at the hearing, detailing how the attack altered his life.
Legal and Procedural Context
Sgt. Gerrit Clay of the Danville Police Department testified during the grand jury phase that Buck-Hayes intended to kill Vogler. The case proceeded to sentencing after Buck-Hayes’ guilty plea in April.