{"id":2619327,"date":"2026-06-25T20:57:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-26T00:57:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/man-who-lit-virginia-councilman-on-fire-sentenced-to-40-years-in-prison\/"},"modified":"2026-06-25T20:58:54","modified_gmt":"2026-06-26T00:58:54","slug":"man-who-lit-virginia-councilman-on-fire-sentenced-to-40-years-in-prison","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/man-who-lit-virginia-councilman-on-fire-sentenced-to-40-years-in-prison\/","title":{"rendered":"Man who lit Virginia councilman on fire sentenced to 40 years in prison"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">26<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fman-who-lit-virginia-councilman-on-fire-sentenced-to-40-years-in-prison%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2619327&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>A man responsible for setting Virginia politician lee Vogler on fire last summer has been sentenced to 40 years in prison. Shotsie Buck-Hayes was convicted after attacking vogler with gasoline, dousing him, and setting him ablaze due to a personal dispute involving an affair.Buck-Hayes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/breaking-president-trump-to-pardon-gen-michael-flynn-per-report\/\" title=\"BREAKING: President Trump to Pardon Gen. Michael Flynn, Per Report\">pleaded guilty<\/a> to attempted first-degree murder and malicious wounding; he received a 10-year sentence for attempted murder and life for malicious wounding,with most of the time suspended,totaling 40 years. The judge\u2019s decision was praised by the Commonwealth Attorney as an appropriate <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >punishment exceeding guidelines<\/a>. Vogler,who suffered severe burns covering 60% of his body and was hospitalized for about three months,returned to work in October and expressed gratitude,stating he feels spared by divine intervention and is motivated to serve others positively. The case underscored justice being served for this violent act,and Vogler remains committed to his duties despite his injuries.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<article class=\"fn-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The man who set a local <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/virginia\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"96\">Virginia<\/a> politician on fire last summer has been sentenced to 40 years in prison.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Circuit Judge James Reynolds handed down the sentence to Shotsie Buck-Hayes on Thursday as Danville City Councilman Lee Vogler and his family watched the court hearing.<\/p>\n<section class=\"explore-more-section\" id=\"wex-recommended-widget\">\n<div class=\"magazine-container single\">\n<h1 class=\"magazine-title mt-2\">Recommended Stories<\/h1>\n<p>             <i class=\"fa-solid fa-play icon\"><\/i>         <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-grid\">\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/4625471\/judge-block-virginia-assault-weapon-ban\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Judge blocks Virginia assault weapons ban days before it takes effect<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/4624589\/doj-unveils-3-billion-biden-fund-states-fighting-to-close-borders-john-cornyn\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>DOJ unveils $3 billion \u2018BIDEN\u2019 fund for states fighting to close borders<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/justice\/4624810\/federal-judge-blocks-parts-trump-executive-order-voting-by-mail\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Federal judge blocks parts of Trump\u2019s executive order on voting by mail<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Buck-Hayes pursued Vogler at his office with a bucket of gasoline, doused him, chased him from the building, and set him ablaze in the July 30 attack. The defendant later admitted he set the councilman on fire for a personal reason, alleging Vogler had an affair with his wife.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-1\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap\" style=\"min-height:5px;\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" style=\"display:none;\">Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-15\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In April, Buck-Hayes pleaded guilty to one count of attempted first-degree murder and another count of aggravated malicious wounding. He was previously charged with breaking and entering while armed with a deadly weapon, but that count was dropped after he pleaded guilty. He initially pleaded not guilty at his arraignment.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reynolds sentenced the attacker to 10 years in prison on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/bail-fund-praised-by-kamala-harris-has-twice-freed-the-same-rioter-he-was-just-charged-again\/\" title=\"Bail Fund Praised By Kamala Harris Has Twice Freed The Same Rioter. He Was Just ...d Again.\">attempted murder charge<\/a> and sentenced him to life in prison on the malicious wounding count. Five years for the first charge were suspended, and all but 35 years for the second charge were also suspended. The top lawyer for the Danville Commonwealth Attorney\u2019s Office was pleased with the judge\u2019s stringent 40-year sentence.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI\u2019m glad the court agreed that it\u2019s an aggravating case and went above the guidelines and sentenced in such a way to hopefully hold this defendant accountable for this horrific act,\u201d Commonwealth\u2019s Attorney Michael Newman said.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-2\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap\" style=\"min-height:5px;\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" style=\"display:none;\">Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-16\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The attorney noted Buck-Hayes spoke in court, purportedly offering an apology while reiterating his motive to attack Vogler. The councilman appeared relieved at the outcome of the case.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/detroit-police-chief-readying-gop-bid-for-michigan-governor-against-whitmer\/\" title=\"Detroit Police Chief Readying GOP Bid For Michigan Governor Against Whitmer\">justice system worked<\/a> like it\u2019s supposed to,\u201d Vogler said. \u201cMy family and I are grateful for all of the prayers and well wishes we\u2019ve received. Now we are ready to move forward with our lives.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/crime\/3865174\/grand-jury-indicts-suspect-setting-local-virginia-politician-fire\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/crime\/3865174\/grand-jury-indicts-suspect-setting-local-virginia-politician-fire\/\">GRAND JURY INDICTS SUSPECT FOR SETTING LOCAL VIRGINIA POLITICIAN ON FIRE<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-3\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap\" style=\"min-height:5px;\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" style=\"display:none;\">Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-17\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-3\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vogler was hospitalized for about three months, recovering from second-degree and third-degree burns that covered 60% of his body. Despite his severe injuries, the councilman returned to work in October.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI feel like God spared me for a reason,\u201d he added. \u201cSo I intend to wake up every day trying to be the best husband I can be. The best father I can be. The best <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/los-angeles-school-officials-call-threat-to-sue-district-to-reopen-campuses-a-political-stunt\/\" title=\"Los Angeles School Officials Call Threat To Sue District To Reopen Campuses A \u2018Political Stunt\u2019\">city councilman<\/a> I can be. I feel a renewed sense to do good and help others. So that\u2019s what I will do.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wex-inarticle-ad wex-inarticle-ad-art-dsk-inart-4\">\n<div class=\"wex-ad-wrap\" style=\"min-height:5px;\"><span class=\"wex-ad-label\" style=\"display:none;\">Advertisement<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-3182201-25\" data-wex-ad=\"art-dsk-inart-4\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Virginia man who set politician on fire gets 40-year sentence<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2159,"featured_media":2619328,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/AP26176699291827.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651],"tags":[13856,44699,81750,32433,5468],"class_list":["post-2619327","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","tag-arson","tag-fire-incident","tag-legal-justice","tag-prison-sentence","tag-virginia"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/AP26176699291827.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2619327","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2159"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2619327"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2619327\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2619331,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2619327\/revisions\/2619331"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2619328"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2619327"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2619327"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2619327"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}