Man Sentenced for Attempted Murder of Virginia City Council Member
A man who confessed to setting fire to a Virginia City Council member in a dispute over an alleged affair has been sentenced to 40 years in prison.
Shotsey Buckhays pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree murder and aggravated serious bodily injury against Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler back in April.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that on July 30, 2025, Buckhays broke into Vogler’s office, doused him with gasoline, and then ignited the flames, forcing him outside. Witnesses detailed the horrific attack, which left Vogler severely burned.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael Newman indicated that at the sentencing, Buckhays attempted to apologize, suggesting his actions were fueled by a supposed affair between Vogler and his wife, Mary Alice.
Interestingly, Mary Alice had filed for divorce just weeks before the incident, according to court documents.
In September, testimony indicated that Buckhays had intended to kill Vogler over the affair, which remains unproven. Vogler’s wife noted that the councilman suffered second- and third-degree burns covering over 60% of his body due to the attack.
Following the incident, Vogler was airlifted to a specialized burn unit in North Carolina, where he endured a lengthy recovery process. He experienced severe health complications, including infections and respiratory issues, which led to additional medical concerns.
The judge ultimately handed down a life sentence for the aggravated bodily harm charge, along with 10 years for attempted murder, both of which were suspended, resulting in a 40-year prison term.
Buckhays’ attorney plans to appeal, stating that his client is not a U.S. citizen and may return to the United Kingdom after serving his time.
Despite doctors’ predictions of Vogler requiring a six-month hospital stay, he was discharged earlier than expected on October 21, 2025. He attended a city council meeting that same day, receiving a warm welcome from colleagues.
Blair Vogler stated that her husband still faces a long recovery path, requiring future surgeries and therapies to aid in regaining use of his injured hand.
Vogler, who has been a council member since he was 24, continues to confront the challenges posed by his injuries, which may affect him for years to come.
