Authorities have identified Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes as the main suspect in the recent attack against Councilman Lee Vogler, find out more about him below
Much to the shock of everyone, Shotsie set Vogler on fire during a targeted attack, inside a downtown office building.
Who is Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes who set Danville Councilman Lee Vogler on fire: Bio, age, family, wife and photo
3:55 p.m. 7/30/25 UPDATE: The Danville Police Department has charged Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, 29, with attempted first degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding following the attack by burning Wednesday, July 30, on Lee Vogler. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/g0N4rEMZLx
— Danville VA Police (@DanvilleVAPD) July 30, 2025
🚨Attempted Murderer:
Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes 😡
Prayers going out to Danville Councilman Lee Vogler of Virginia.
This gross, mentally ill freak covered Lee with gasoline and set him on fire in broad daylight. #deathpenalty pic.twitter.com/i1nJIcaq9Z— Alex Weaver 🇺🇸🦋 (@alexweaver4510) July 30, 2025
According to authorities, Vogler and Hayes knew each other, and the incident stemmed from a personal conflict between the two.
Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes identified as main suspect in Lee Vogler attack
Police have identified Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes as the man who attacked Councilman Lee Vogler on July 30, 2025. The incident reportedly took place at Showcase Magazine’s office on the 700 block of Main Street. According to authorities, Hayes forced his way into the building before confronting Vogler and launching the violent assault. Officers later manged to capture Hayes during a traffic stop and currently remains in custody awaiting formal charges.
Hayes allegedly chased Vogler through the building before dousing him in gasoline and setting him on fire. Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene and treated age 38 Vogler on the scene before airlifting him to the UNC Burn Center in Chapel Hill. Following the incident, Danville Vice Mayor James Buckner confirmed that the attack was personal and unrelated to Vogler’s role in city council.
Motive behind the attack
According to the investigators, the attack stemmed from a private dispute between Vogler and Hayes. The Danville Police Department stated:
The victim and the suspect are known to each other and the attack stems from a personal matter not related to the victim’s position on Danville City Council or any other political affiliation.”
As of now, authorities have not issued any additional details about their past interactions.
Charges and allegations
An incredibly disturbing incident in Virginia —
A 37 year old local councilman in Danville, Lee Vogler, was doused with 5 gallons of gasoline and set on fire.
The suspect has been arrested and identified as a 29 year old named “Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes,” who does not appear… pic.twitter.com/ycy6v4w7IB
— Marina Medvin 🇺🇸 (@MarinaMedvin) July 30, 2025
The Danville Police are still yet to publicly confirm the full list of charges and allegations set against Hayes. However, they noted that charges are forthcoming while emphasizing the severity of the crime. Based on the nature of the attack, Hayes could face charges of attempted murder, aggravated malicious wounding, and arson.
During a police interview, Buck-Hayes admitted to dumping gasoline on Vogler and said “it was his intention to kill Vogler,” the criminal complaint said.
Buck-Hayes was charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding.
Official statements
Danville Vice Mayor James Buckner called the incident “horrific and deeply personal” and stated:
We are all grateful that Lee is alive and receiving care. Our thoughts are with him and his loved ones during this difficult time.”
The Danville Police Department also stated:
We responded quickly and efficiently to secure the scene and apprehend the suspect. We ask the public to remain patient as we complete the investigation and proceed with appropriate legal action.”
Mayor Alonzo Jones issued a press release saying:
Violence has no place in our city. We are committed to supporting Councilman Vogler and ensuring justice is served.”
Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes biography
Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes was a 29-year-old resident of Danville, Virginia. As of now, authorities have not released a full biography, but preliminary reports suggest that he has no known profession. Shotsie reportedly knew Councilman Vogler on a personal level and social media users have since circulated a photo believed to be of Hayes. However, the police have not yet released an official mugshot and are still digging into his background for other potential motives.
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Shotsie Michael Buch Hayes, the suspect who set councilman Lee Vogler on fire in Danville, Virginia, on Wednesday, had divorced his wife Mary Alice just two weeks back and Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes and Vogler knew each other and the attack stemmed from a personal enmity.
Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, who is a Danville city, Virginia native, attacked councilman Vogler at the office of a local magazine on Wednesday afternoon.
Lee Vogler who is currently fighting for his life is married to Blair Vogler, with whom he shares two young children, Kingston and Ava who attend Danville Public Schools.
NEW: Virginia city councilman Lee Vogler set on fire after an unhinged lunatic doused him with fuel at his workplace.
29-year-old Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes is accused of carrying out the attack.
Hayes allegedly confronted the Danville City councilman at his office at Showcase… pic.twitter.com/lULJMNBVrm
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 30, 2025
Vogler has been a member of the Danville City Council for over 12 years, currently in his fourth term and a a managing partner at Andrew Brooks Media Group, a marketing firm, he oversees regional magazine publications, a branded merchandise site, and a music publishing company.
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