In a shocking turn of events, Lee Vogler, a City Councilman in Danville, Virginia, became the victim of a horrific attack this past summer. The perpetrator, identified as 29-year-old Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, admitted to police that his motive for setting Vogler on fire was grounded in a deeply personal conviction: he believed Vogler was involved in an affair with his wife.
The incident, which took place in July, turned a typical city office into a scene of chaos. Hayes allegedly doused Vogler with five gallons of gasoline before igniting the flames. Local authorities responded, stating that the attack appeared to stem from personal issues rather than Vogler’s political role.
3:55 p.m. 7/30/25 UPDATE: The Danville Police Department has now charged Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding related to the attack on Lee Vogler. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/g0N4rEMZLx
— Danville VA Police (@DanvilleVAPD) July 30, 2025
New developments revealed that Hayes had filed for divorce just two weeks prior to the incident. Andrew Brooks, owner of Showcase Magazine—where the attack occurred—described how Hayes forced entry while Vogler was present, pouring gasoline over him before attempting to set him ablaze as he fled to the front of the building.
Following the attack, Vogler was transported to the UNC Burn Unit in Chapel Hill, where he continues to receive treatment for severe burns affecting over 60% of his body.
Recent court proceedings have shed light on Hayes’s motives, with testimony revealing his belief that Vogler was having an affair with his spouse.
As reported by WDBJ7, during a preliminary hearing held on September 30, evidence was presented connecting Hayes to the chilling act.
Witness testimony established that Hayes confronted Vogler at his workplace and—driven by a disturbing mixture of jealousy and rage—set him on fire after pouring gasoline on him outside the building.
Danville Police Sgt. Gerrit Clay testified that Hayes expressly stated his reason for the violent act: *“he set the person on fire who had an affair with his wife.”*
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