A man from the UK allegedly attacked a US politician by setting him on fire, causing severe injuries, due to suspicions of infidelity with his wife. The suspect, Shotsie Michael Buck-Hayes, 29, was arrested on charges of attempted first-degree homicide for pouring flammable liquid on Lee Vogler, 38, and setting it alight in Danville, Virginia.
During a preliminary hearing, a Danville police officer revealed that the suspect, originally from Devon, had recently learned about Mr. Vogler’s extramarital affair with his wife. The suspect admitted to purchasing gasoline with the intention of killing the politician at his office.
The victim’s wife, Blair Vogler, stated that her husband suffered extensive third and second-degree burns covering 60% of his body, as well as burn and septic shock, and lung injuries from smoke inhalation. Witnesses, including a colleague at Showcase Magazine, Stephen Seiple, recounted the horrifying incident, with Mr. Vogler screaming for help as he tried to escape the attacker who set him on fire.
After the attack, Buck-Hayes fled the scene but was apprehended by authorities with the help of witness descriptions. His wife had filed for divorce two weeks prior to the incident. Meanwhile, a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe initiated by Mrs. Vogler has raised $160,000 for medical expenses. The victim continues to undergo treatment, with a recent update indicating another skin graft procedure.
The suspect is set to appear in court again on October 27.