An Army veteran died after he was brutally beaten outside his Trump-themed home in California last week, authorities said.
Attack Details
Kerry Sheron, 69, was hospitalized in critical condition on May 20 after he was assaulted outside his MAGA-themed home in Escondido, about 30 miles north of San Diego. The home was decorated with American flags, MAGA flags, and posters of President Donald Trump.
His alleged attacker, Thomas Caleb Butler, 32, fled on foot but was apprehended later that day, the Los Angeles Times reported. Butler was charged with attempted murder, cruelty to an elder resulting in great bodily injury, making a criminal threat, and battery. He pleaded not guilty on Friday.
Authorities were notified Sunday evening that Sheron died. The San Diego County medical examiner will determine the cause of death.
Prosecutor's Account
Prosecutors described the attack as unprovoked. Deputy District Attorney Ross Garcia told NBC 7: “It was a single punch to the jaw. The victim then falls to the floor, and there are subsequent hits to the victim’s head area.” Authorities have not shared a possible motive or whether Butler and Sheron knew each other. A bystander reportedly tried to intervene and was also injured.
On Friday, nearly 100 supporters gathered among the MAGA decor, American flags, and Trump posters outside Sheron’s home. Rally attendee Christine Brown told NBC 7: “Cowards like this do not belong to our society. We need to come and support our veterans. We need to support our patriots.”
Previous Harassment
Sheron’s wife told NBC 7 that they had previously faced harassment and threats over their home’s decorations, though none of the prior incidents turned violent. A GoFundMe set up to help his family described Sheron as a “proud U.S. Army veteran known in the community for proudly displaying American flags and patriotic decorations outside his home.”
“His loss has devastated our family beyond words,” the fundraiser read. As of Wednesday morning, the fundraiser had hit $40,000 of its $60,000 goal. The money will be used to “help support funeral and memorial expenses, travel costs, and immediate family needs as we navigate this heartbreaking tragedy.”
Legal Proceedings
The San Diego District Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case and will announce whether an additional murder charge will be filed against Butler during his June 3 court hearing, an office spokesperson said. Butler is being held without bail.
