DANVILLE, Va. — The motive behind a shocking July attack on a Danville City Council member was revealed publicly for the first time during a preliminary court hearing Tuesday.
Shotsie Michael Buck-Hayes appeared in court to face charges of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding in connection with the July 30 attack on Councilman Lee Vogler. Authorities say Buck-Hayes doused Vogler with gasoline and set him on fire outside Vogler’s workplace, Showcase Magazine.
Danville Police Sgt. Gerrit Clay testified that Buck-Hayes admitted to targeting Vogler because he believed the councilman had an affair with his wife. Clay told the court the suspect purchased gasoline with the intent to kill Vogler, then used a lighter to ignite the fire.
Steven Seiple, a co-worker who witnessed the attack, described the chaotic scene. “His shirt had been burned off. His chest was very pink, and his arms were really, really bad,” Seiple said, recalling how Buck-Hayes chased Vogler with a bucket before setting him ablaze.
Vogler’s wife, Blair Vogler, gave emotional testimony about her husband’s injuries. She said he suffered second- and third-degree burns over 60% of his body. Surgeons had to use an additional 35% of his skin for grafts, and he endured both burn shock and septic shock, as well as lung damage from smoke inhalation. He remains in intensive care after five surgeries.
Prosecutors presented three witnesses to establish probable cause. “We put on three witnesses to establish probable cause that Mr. Buck-Hayes attempted to murder Lee Vogler and that he did, in fact, commit aggravated malicious wounding,” said Michael Newman, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Danville.
Buck-Hayes’ defense made no presentation at the hearing but filed a motion requesting a competency and sanity evaluation, which must be refiled in circuit court.
If convicted, Buck-Hayes could face up to life in prison. A Danville grand jury is set to hear the case on October 27.
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