Cops: Man Who Set Councilman on Fire Was Angry Over Affair

The man charged with trying to kill Virginia city councilman Lee Vogler in a July 30 gasoline attack reportedly told police he intended to murder his wife's lover. Danville Police Sgt. Gerrit Clay took the stand during a pre-trial hearing Tuesday, telling a judge that 29-year-old Shotsie Buck-Hayes "stated he went to a gas station and purchased $3 worth of gasoline" and "set the person on fire who was having an affair with his wife," per WSLS. He reportedly also expressed his intent to kill. Steven Seiple, who worked with Vogler at Showcase Magazine, described the incident in detail. He said Buck-Hayes doused Vogler with gasoline, leaving a stain at his door, then chased him outside as Vogler urged Seiple to call 911.

Buck-Hayes ignited the gas in front of the magazine's office, Seiple said. He said his colleague's shirt was "burned off," his chest was "pink," and his arms were "really bad." Vogler's wife, Blair, also spoke, mentioning burns to 60% of her husband's body. She said another 35% of his skin was used to cover burned areas and described complications including infections, burn shock, septic shock, and smoke inhalation which led to pneumonia. She said Vogler had been in the operating room five times in just the past week. He remains in an intensive care burn unit, per WDBJ. Buck-Hayes is next due in court on Oct. 27. He's charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding.