DANVILLE, Va. – 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.