- Shotsie Michael Buck-Hayes was sentenced to 40 years for setting Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler on fire in a planned attack.
- The incident occurred on July 30, 2025, at Vogler's workplace, where he suffered severe burns covering 60% of his body.
- Buck-Hayes pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding before his sentencing in April 2026.
DANVILLE, VIRGINIA — Months after another Virginia courtroom focused on alleged relationship evidence in a double-murder case, a separate case in Danville has ended with a 40-year prison sentence. Shotsie Michael Buck-Hayes, 30, was sentenced Thursday for setting Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler on fire in an attack prosecutors said was planned and deeply personal.
Circuit Judge James Reynolds sentenced Buck-Hayes to life in prison plus 10 years. However, the judge suspended all but 35 years of the life sentence and five years of the 10-year sentence, leaving Buck-Hayes with 40 years to serve.
The sentence came almost 11 months after the July 30, 2025 attack that left Vogler with severe burns, long-term pain, and multiple surgeries.
Attack at Vogler’s Workplace
The attack happened around 11:30 a.m. in the 700 block of Main Street in Danville.
According to Danville Police, Buck-Hayes entered Vogler’s place of employment, confronted him, and doused him with a flammable liquid. Vogler and Buck-Hayes then exited the building, where Buck-Hayes set Vogler on fire.
Witnesses helped police identify the suspect and his vehicle. Officers stopped Buck-Hayes several blocks from the scene and took him into custody without incident.
Police later said Buck-Hayes and Vogler knew each other and that the attack stemmed from a personal matter. Authorities also said it was not connected to Vogler’s work on the Danville City Council or any political affiliation.
Severe Burns and Long Recovery
Vogler was airlifted for medical treatment after the attack. He later received care at a burn unit and underwent extensive treatment for second- and third-degree burns.
His wife, Blair Vogler, testified that the burns covered about 60% of his body.
During sentencing, family members described the physical and emotional damage the attack caused. Vogler has dealt with chronic pain, limited mobility, ongoing therapy, and the possibility of future surgeries.
His family also told the court that his children have had to live with the trauma of seeing their father’s injuries and recovery.
Guilty Plea Before Trial
Buck-Hayes was originally charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding. He pleaded guilty in April 2026 before the case went to trial.
As part of the plea agreement, a breaking and entering charge was dropped.
Prosecutors said Buck-Hayes planned the attack, pointing to evidence that he had driven past Vogler’s workplace before purchasing gasoline.
At earlier court proceedings, investigators said Buck-Hayes claimed he carried out the attack because he believed Vogler had been involved with his wife. That allegation has not been proven in court.
Courtroom Statements
During the sentencing hearing, both Vogler and Buck-Hayes spoke in court.
Vogler described how the attack changed his daily life and said the person responsible should not receive credit simply because he survived. He said the attacker went “above and beyond” to try to kill him.
Buck-Hayes apologized in court and said he wished he could undo what happened.
His attorneys argued that he had struggled with mental health issues before the attack. A psychiatrist who evaluated him while he was jailed testified that Buck-Hayes had been diagnosed with bipolar I disorder, borderline personality disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Prosecutors rejected the argument that the attack happened during a dissociative episode. They argued Buck-Hayes acted intentionally.
Judge Goes Above Guidelines
Judge Reynolds imposed a sentence that went above the advisory guidelines for the aggravated malicious wounding charge.
He sentenced Buck-Hayes to 10 years for attempted first-degree murder, with five years suspended. He also imposed a life sentence for aggravated malicious wounding, with all but 35 years suspended.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael Newman said the court recognized the attack as an aggravated case and imposed a sentence meant to hold Buck-Hayes accountable.
The judge also ordered Buck-Hayes to have no contact with Vogler or his family.
Appeal Planned
Buck-Hayes’ attorneys said they plan to appeal the sentence, arguing that it was excessive.
Local reports said Buck-Hayes is not a U.S. citizen and is originally from the United Kingdom. His attorneys have said they believe he may eventually return there in the future.
For now, he remains sentenced to decades in prison for an attack that prosecutors and Vogler’s family said permanently changed their lives.
For more cases related to attempted murder, courtroom sentencing, and violent attacks driven by personal disputes, check out our video here:
