The man who set a local Virginia politician on fire last summer has been sentenced to 40 years in prison.
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.
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.
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.
Reynolds sentenced the attacker to 10 years in prison on the attempted murder charge 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’s Office was pleased with the judge’s stringent 40-year sentence.
“I’m glad the court agreed that it’s an aggravating case and went above the guidelines and sentenced in such a way to hopefully hold this defendant accountable for this horrific act,” Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael Newman said.
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.
“The justice system worked like it’s supposed to,” Vogler said. “My family and I are grateful for all of the prayers and well wishes we’ve received. Now we are ready to move forward with our lives.”
GRAND JURY INDICTS SUSPECT FOR SETTING LOCAL VIRGINIA POLITICIAN ON FIRE
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.
“I feel like God spared me for a reason,” he added. “So I intend to wake up every day trying to be the best husband I can be. The best father I can be. The best city councilman I can be. I feel a renewed sense to do good and help others. So that’s what I will do.”