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A Virginia city councilman who was recently set on fire in an alleged murder attempt is facing a challenging road to recovery, according to his employer.
Lee Vogler, a Danville City Council member, who is 39 years old, serves as the director of marketing at Showcase Magazine. The magazine’s owner, Andrew Brooks, revealed that Vogler is currently receiving treatment at the UNC Burn Clinic in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
“His wife, Blair, and their children are supporting him as he embarks on what will be a lengthy, painful, and uncertain recovery journey,” Brooks stated. “He will undergo multiple surgeries, have an extended hospital stay, and face months – if not years – of rehabilitation.”
The Danville Police Department reported that Shotsie Michael Buck Hayes, a 29-year-old from Danville, allegedly entered the Showcase Magazine’s office building, poured a five-gallon bucket of gasoline on Vogler, and set him on fire.
Vogler sustained severe burns covering approximately 60% of his body, primarily on his torso.
Vogler managed to identify Hayes during the attack, which led to a swift arrest a few blocks away after Hayes fled the scene, as per the police. Hayes later confessed to wanting Vogler to perish in the fire, according to a report from the Associated Press.
“Our family is deeply touched by the incredible love and support we have received in just 24 hours,” Blair, Vogler’s wife, expressed in a statement posted on a fundraising site that has raised over $50,000 to assist with Vogler’s medical expenses.
“We are profoundly grateful for your prayers, messages, and generosity during this extremely challenging time,” she added. “Knowing that our community is standing by us means more than we can put into words, and it has given us strength when we need it most. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.”
Authorities noted that Vogler and Hayes were acquainted with each other, and the incident resulted from a “personal matter,” not related to Vogler’s role on Danville City Council or any other political affiliation.
Hayes is facing charges of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding, and is currently being held in the Danville City Jail without bond.
Reported by Alexandra Koch and the Associated Press
