The deranged man who set Virginia City Councilman Lee Vogler on fire over the summer told police he tried to kill the lawmaker because he was having “an affair with his wife.”
In July, Danville, Virginia, City Councilman Lee Vogler was doused in gasoline and set on fire in his office.
According to reports, the attacker, identified as Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, 29, of Danville, threw five gallons of gasoline on Vogler before setting him on fire.
3:55 p.m. 7/30/25 UPDATE: The Danville Police Department has charged Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, 29, with attempted first degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding following the attack by burning Wednesday, July 30, on Lee Vogler. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/g0N4rEMZLx
— Danville VA Police (@DanvilleVAPD) July 30, 2025
At the time of the attack, Danville police said the attack appeared to be personal and not related to Vogler’s position as a city councilman.
The Daily Mail reported that Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes’ wife filed for divorce just two weeks ago.
Showcase Magazine’s Andrew Brooks said Shotsie Hayes forced his way in the magazine’s office as Vogler was visiting and poured a five-gallon container of gas on him.
“Lee attempted to flee, ran to the front of the building,” Showcase Magazine owner Andrew Brooks said in a Facebook video. “The individual followed him and set him on fire.”
Vogler was flown to the UNC burn unit in Chapel Hill, according to WSET.
Lee Vogler is reportedly still in the hospital recovering from severe burns to more than 60% of his body.
It was revealed in court on Tuesday that Shotsie Hayes attacked Vogler over his alleged affair.
WDBJ7 reported:
A motive was publicly revealed in court Tuesday for the man accused of setting a Danville City Councilman on fire.
Shotsie Michael Buck-Hayes, arrested July 30, 2025, was in court for a preliminary hearing September 30.
He faces charges of attempted first degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding for allegedly setting Danville Councilman Lee Vogler on fire on July 30.
Buck-Hayes was arrested after he allegedly poured gasoline on Vogler at Vogler’s workplace, Showcase Magazine, then set him on fire outside the building.
Danville Police Sgt. Gerrit Clay took the stand to say Buck-Hayes told him, “he set the person on fire who had an affair with his wife.”