A Virginia man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for setting a city council member on fire. The sentence was handed down Thursday in Danville Circuit Court.
Shotsie Buck-Hayes pleaded guilty in April to one count each of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding. The charges stem from an attack on July 30, 2025, in which witnesses reported Buck-Hayes entered the Danville office of Councilman Lee Vogler, doused him with gasoline, and then set him ablaze.
Blair Vogler, the councilman's wife, testified during the sentencing hearing that Lee Vogler suffered burns covering 60% of his body. She stated that the attack had significantly altered his life. Buck-Hayes also spoke at the hearing, offering what he described as an apology, while reiterating that he was motivated by a belief that Vogler was having an affair with Buck-Hayes' wife.
Circuit Judge James Reynolds sentenced Buck-Hayes to 10 years for attempted murder, with five years suspended. For the aggravated malicious wounding charge, the judge imposed a life sentence, suspending all but 35 years. Commonwealth's Attorney Michael Newman noted that the sentence for the wounding charge exceeded citizen guidelines by triple the recommended amount.
"I’m glad the court agreed that it’s an aggravating case and went above the guidelines and sentenced in such a way to hopefully hold this defendant accountable for this horrific act," Newman said.
A charge of breaking and entering was dropped as part of Buck-Hayes' plea agreement in April.