Who is Mary Alice Buck-Hayes? Inside the Divorce and Alleged Affair at the Center of Danville Fire Case

A shocking attack took place in Danville, Virginia. Local councilman Lee Vogler, 38, was doused with gasoline and set on fire inside his office. The man accused is Shotsie Michael Buck-Hayes, 29, a British expat who had divorced his wife Mary Alice Buck-Hayes just two weeks before the violent incident.

The Marriage and Divorce of Mary Alice

Mary Alice married Buck-Hayes in September 2023 during a ceremony in Ruffin, North Carolina. At the time, they looked like a happy couple. Friends later said their marriage was “a roller coaster,” with several ups and downs. They even tried couples therapy in hopes of saving the relationship.

But things quickly fell apart. By mid-2025, their marriage had ended. The couple’s divorce was finalized shortly before the attack on Vogler, leaving many to question what led to the shocking chain of events.

Alleged Affair With Lee Vogler

Court documents suggest Buck-Hayes believed that Mary Alice was having an affair with councilman Vogler. However, no evidence has confirmed the claim. Months before the attack, a photo posted by Vogler on Instagram showed him, his wife Blair, and the Buck-Hayes couple smiling at a fairground together. It was one of the last public moments before the friendship between the two families collapsed.

The Horrific Attack on Lee Vogler

On the morning of July 30, Buck-Hayes allegedly entered Vogler’s office, poured gasoline on him, and set him on fire. Witnesses recalled Vogler screaming for help as flames spread across his body. He suffered burns on more than 60% of his skin, severe smoke inhalation, and septic shock.

Vogler was rushed to the UNC Chapel Hill Burn Center, where he has since undergone several surgeries and skin grafts. His wife, Blair, shared updates, thanking doctors and first responders for saving his life. A GoFundMe campaign raised more than $160,000 to support his recovery.

Court Proceedings Against Buck-Hayes

Buck-Hayes was arrested shortly after fleeing the scene. He now faces charges of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated malicious wounding. At a preliminary hearing, Judge Greg Haymore ruled there was enough evidence to send the case to a grand jury on October 27, 2025. If indicted, Buck-Hayes could face up to life in prison.

Mary Alice’s Role in the Case

Mary Alice has not spoken publicly since the attack. Her short marriage, quick divorce, and alleged connection to Vogler have made her a key figure in the ongoing story. While the truth about her relationship with Vogler remains unclear, her name continues to appear in court documents and media reports.