Virginia man sentenced to 40 years for setting city council member on fire

A Virginia man was sentenced to 40 years in prison for setting a city council member on fire following an alleged affair. Shotsie Buck-Hayes pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding in April. The incident occurred on July 30, 2025, when Buck-Hayes entered Danville City Council Member Lee Vogler's office, doused him with gasoline, and ignited it. Witnesses reported that Vogler suffered second- and third-degree burns covering 60% of his body and required extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts. Buck-Hayes was sentenced by Circuit Judge James Reynolds, who imposed a 10-year sentence for attempted murder and a life sentence for aggravated malicious wounding, with part of the sentences suspended. Buck-Hayes's attorneys have indicated plans to appeal the sentence. Vogler, who has been recovering from his injuries, returned to a city council meeting shortly after his discharge from the hospital.