By Gina Yarbrough
Escondido, CA–A 69-year-old Army veteran known locally for his avid support of President Donald Trump and his heavily decorated “Trump House” in Escondido died Sunday after suffering severe injuries in a brutal assault outside his home, authorities said.
The victim, identified as Kerry George Sheron, spent several days at a local hospital in critical condition following the May 20 attack. It was reported that he would not survive his injuries, according to the Escondido Police Department.
Officers responded at 2:14 p.m. to reports of an assault near East Mission Avenue and Buchanan Street. Upon arrival, they found Sheron suffering from significant injuries. A bystander who reportedly intervened during the incident was also injured.
Investigators said the suspect fled the scene on foot before officers arrived. Following a search of the surrounding area, police located and detained a man matching the suspect’s description near East Mission Avenue and Begonia Street.
The suspect was identified as Thomas Caleb Butler, 32, of Escondido. He was taken into custody without incident.
Prosecutors have described the incident as an unprovoked attack by Butler, a U.S. Navy veteran.
The Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet determined the official cause and manner of death.
Butler was initially booked into the Vista Detention Facility on suspicion of attempted murder. Following Sheron’s death, the case is being reviewed by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office to determine whether additional or amended charges, including homicide-related charges, will be filed.
The investigation remains ongoing.
