Virginia Councilman Set on Fire for Alleged Affair

Shotsie Michael Buck-Hayes

Danville Police Sgt. Gerrit Clay took the stand Tuesday to say Buck-Hayes told him that “he set the person on fire who had an affair with his wife.” Clay said the suspect told police he had purchased gasoline at a gas station with the intent to kill Lee Vogler then used a lighter to start the fire.”

A suspect’s alleged motive for setting a Virginia city council member on fire in July was revealed publicly for the first time at a court hearing.

Shotsie Michael Buck-Hayes was in court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing. He faces charges of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding for allegedly setting Danville City Council member Lee Vogler on fire on July 30.

Buck-Hayes was arrested after he allegedly poured gasoline on Lee Vogler at the councilman’s workplace, Showcase Magazine, then set him on fire outside the building.

Danville Police Sgt. Gerrit Clay took the stand Tuesday to say Buck-Hayes told him that “he set the person on fire who had an affair with his wife.” Clay said the suspect told police he had purchased gasoline at a gas station with the intent to kill Lee Vogler then used a lighter to start the fire.

Another witness in the courtroom was Lee Vogler’s co-worker, Steven Seiple. He was at the office when the incident happened and described seeing Buck-Hayes chasing after the councilman with a bucket.

“His shirt had been burned off. His chest was very pink, and his arms were really, really bad,” Seiple said.

Lee Vogler’s wife, Blair Vogler, also spoke at the hearing, saying her husband has second- and third-degree burns on 60% of his body, and it took an additional 35% of his skin to cover the burns. He also sustained burn shock and septic shock and burned his lungs via smoke inhalation.

The councilman continues to recover after several surgeries. His wife says he is still in the intensive care burn unit and has had five operations.

“We put on three witnesses to establish probable cause that Mr. Buck-Hayes attempted to murder Lee Vogler and that he did, in fact, commit aggravated malicious wounding,” said Michael Newman, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Danville.

The defense made no presentation at the hearing.

If Buck-Hayes is found guilty, he could face up to life in prison.

“This is aggravated malicious wounding because the extent of his [Lee Vogler’s] injuries are both severe and permanent. That’s why the charge is aggravated. It brings more time – 20 to life – versus a regular malicious wounding,” Newman said.

Buck-Hayes filed a motion requesting evaluation for competency to stand trial and sanity at the time of the offense, but that will have to be refiled in circuit court, according to Newman.

A grand jury is scheduled to get the case Oct. 27.