A man from the UK is accused of setting a US politician on fire, resulting in severe injuries, allegedly due to suspicions of infidelity with his wife.

Shotsie Michael Buck-Hayes, 29, was taken into custody for potential first-degree attempted murder after reportedly dousing 38-year-old Lee Vogler with a flammable substance and setting him alight in Danville, Virginia.

During a preliminary hearing, a Danville police officer mentioned that the suspect, originally from Devon, had recently learned about Mr. Vogler’s alleged extramarital relationship with his spouse. The veracity of these allegations remains uncertain.

Reports indicate that Buck-Hayes admitted to purchasing gasoline from a gas station with the intent of harming the councilman at his workplace.

Blair Vogler, the victim’s wife, disclosed that her husband sustained third and second-degree burns covering 60% of his body. Additionally, he suffered from burn injuries, septic shock, and lung damage from smoke inhalation.

Stephen Seiple, a colleague of Mr. Vogler at Showcase Magazine, testified about witnessing the horrifying incident. He recounted how Vogler pleaded for help while attempting to escape from the assailant who set him on fire.

Andrew Brooks, the owner and publisher of Showcase Magazine, also witnessed parts of the attack and noted that Vogler was conscious when he was swiftly transported to a nearby burn center for treatment.

Following the assault, Buck-Hayes fled the scene, but eyewitnesses provided a detailed description of him and his vehicle to the authorities. He was apprehended a few blocks away.

Two weeks before the attack, Buck-Hayes’ wife, Mary Alice, had filed for divorce.

To cover medical expenses, Mrs. Vogler initiated a GoFundMe campaign which raised $160,000. An update posted by her indicated that her husband had undergone another skin graft procedure.

Buck-Hayes is scheduled to appear in court again on October 27.