DANVILLE, Va. – 6:50 Update: The man convicted of setting Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler on fire will spend the next 40 years in prison after a judge handed down the maximum sentence allowed under Virginia sentencing guidelines.
Shotsie Buck-Hayes was sentenced to life in prison plus 10 years for aggravated malicious wounding and attempted first-degree murder. The judge suspended all but 35 years of the life sentence and all but five years of the additional sentence, meaning Buck-Hayes could eventually be eligible for release.
The sentence comes nearly 11 months after prosecutors say Buck-Hayes attacked Vogler at his workplace on July 30, 2025, pouring gasoline on him and setting him on fire.
During the sentencing hearing, Vogler and his family publicly spoke about the attack for the first time, describing the lasting physical and emotional impact of the attack.
Lee’s wife, Blair, described the fear and uncertainty her family faced while he was hospitalized.
“I had to look at my children and prepare them for the possibility that they may grow up without a father,” she said.
Lee’s father, Jack Vogler, said watching his son recover has been difficult.
“It’s like a bad nightmare that plays over and over,” he said. “To see Lee go through what he’s been through just breaks my heart.”
Family members told the court Vogler’s children continue to struggle with the aftermath of the attack, saying they witnessed their father endure severe injuries and miss important moments while recovering.
“They’ve seen their father endure unimaginable pain,” one family member said. “They’ve seen scars no child should ever have to see. They experienced fear, anxiety and trauma.”
Lee’s mother also held up a photo of his children during her statement, showing Buck-Hayes the impact the attack had on the family.
Danville Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael Newman argued the sentence was appropriate, saying the effects of the attack will follow Vogler and his family for the rest of their lives.
He argued Buck-Hayes planned the attack, pointing to evidence that he drove past Vogler’s workplace to purchase gasoline before the assault.
Buck-Hayes also spoke in court for the first time, apologizing to Vogler and his family.
“What I did was devastating,” Buck-Hayes said. “If there’s something I could do to undo it, I would.”
His attorneys, Edward Lavado and Matthew Pack, argued Buck-Hayes had a history of mental health struggles and may have experienced a mental health crisis at the time of the attack. They called a mental health specialist to testify about his condition and said Buck-Hayes does not remember carrying out the assault.
Buck-Hayes’ attorneys argued the sentence was excessive, saying the judge went beyond the recommended sentencing guidelines.
“He went over those guidelines. He went above even that,” Lavado said. “So, it was definitely a shock.”
Outside the courthouse, Vogler said he was satisfied with the outcome and ready to move forward.
“It just brings closure to all this and lets the situation come to a close,” Vogler said. “I’m happy to see it come to an end. We’re all ready to move forward with our lives.”
Vogler said he plans to return his focus to his role as a city councilman, his family and serving the Danville community.
Buck-Hayes’ attorneys say they plan to appeal the sentence. Since Buck-Hayes is not an American citizen, they predict he will return to his native United Kingdom in the future.
As part of his punishment, Buck-Hayes must be on good behavior for life and can never have any contact with the Vogler family ever again.
10 News has obtained video footage of Buck-Hayes’ arrest, an interview with investigators and crime scene photos from Danville police. 10 News wants to warn viewers that some of the photos and videos could be hard to watch and possibly contain explicit content.
Buck-Hayes interview with detectives (Courtesy of Danville PD):
Buck-Hayes’ arrest video (Courtesy of Danville PD):
Evidence photos (Courtesy of Danville PD):
Original:
The man who pleaded guilty to setting Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler on fire has learned his fate.
Shotsie Michael Buck-Hayes was sentenced to life plus 10 years in prison, with all but 35 years of the life sentence and five years of the 10-year sentence suspended. In total, Buck-Hayes will serve 40 years behind bars, followed by five years of probation. His attorneys say he plans to appeal the sentence.
The Danville case drew national attention and left the community in shock. The incident occurred on July 30, 2025, when Buck-Hayes filled a five-gallon bucket with gasoline and added Styrofoam to make it burn longer. He then went to the Showcase Magazine office, where Vogler worked, and poured gasoline on him. Buck-Hayes chased Vogler through the building and set him on fire outside.
In April, Buck-Hayes pleaded guilty to malicious wounding and attempted first-degree murder.
After the sentencing, 10 News spoke with Vogler, who reflected on the past year.
“I’m just trying to be the best city councilman that I can be ... there’s this quote that I heard many years ago. They said that, ‘only when you’ve been in the deepest valley will you know how magnificent it is to stand on the highest mountain.’ And I’ve been in the valley for the last year. And I intend to spend every day with the life that I have left on that highest mountain, and I thank God that I am able to do that.”
We’ve covered this case extensively. You can find our previous coverage here.