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DANVILLE, Va. – A Virginia man was sentenced Thursday to 40 years in prison for setting a local council member on fire in an attack fueled by jealousy.
Shotsie Buck-Hayes pleaded guilty in April to attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding for the July 30, 2025 incident involving Lee Vogler. According to witnesses, Buck-Hayes entered Vogler’s office in Danville carrying a bucket of gasoline, doused Vogler, and then set him on fire as he fled the building.
Vogler’s wife, Blair, testified that her husband suffered burns covering 60% of his body. The council member, visibly scarred, delivered an emotional statement at Thursday’s sentencing hearing in Danville Circuit Court, describing the profound impact the assault has had on his life.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael Newman reported that Buck-Hayes also spoke during the hearing, offering what he called an apology but maintained he was driven by suspicions of an affair between Vogler and his wife.
Circuit Judge James Reynolds sentenced Buck-Hayes to 10 years in prison for attempted murder, suspending five years, and handed down a life sentence for aggravated malicious wounding, suspending all but 35 years. This sentencing notably exceeded standard guidelines, with Newman emphasizing the judge’s recognition of the case’s severity.
“This was an aggravating case, and I’m glad the court imposed a sentence above the guidelines to hold the defendant accountable for this horrific act,” Newman said.
As part of the plea agreement reached on April 1, a breaking and entering charge against Buck-Hayes was dropped.