A Briton has been charged with attempted first-degree murder for allegedly setting a US politician on fire after he accused him of having an affair with his wife.
The expat from Devon, Shotsie Michael Buck-Hayes, reportedly poured petrol on Lee Vogler, 38, inside of his office in Virginia, US, before setting him alight. A local police officer told a preliminary hearing on Tuesday that the attack occurred after Buck-Hayes seemingly found out he was having an affair with his wife. The 29-year-old reportedly told the authorities that he bought the fuel from a petrol station with the intention of killing the Danville City councillor. Mr Vogler’s wife, Blair, said he sustained third and second degree burns on 60% of his body, as well as being treated for septic shock, scorched lungs and smoke inhalation.
Stephen Seiple, a colleague of the victim, testified in court and recalled Mr Vogler trying to escape as he screamed for help.
“The next thing I remember was Lee screaming, ‘Call 911, he threw gas on me,” she said, adding that she saw that his shirt was “thoroughly burned and his chest pink.”
Buck-Hayes fled the scene yet was arrested a few streets away from where the incident took place on July 30.
Police said at the time: “The attack stems from a personal matter not related to the victim’s position on Danville City Council or any political affiliation.”
Mr Vogler was immediately rushed to hospital and was “awake and talking”, according to the owner at his company, Showcase Magazine.
Buck-Hayes has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding. His next court appearance is set for October 27.
Mr Vogler’s wife told the court that her husband remains in hospital.
The victim was first elected to his position as a councillor in May 2012 at 24-years-old, becoming the youngest person ever to be elected to the position.
Mr Vogler was re-elected in November last year, while running as an independent. “It’s one I don’t take for granted. I have to earn it. That’s why I’m running FOR re-election,” he said during his campaign at the time,” he said in a pitch to voters at the time.
“I’m not running against anyone. I’m running for the people of Danville and the future of our city.
“I’m Lee Vogler and I’d appreciate consideration for one of the five votes people have for City Council.”
