Army veteran known for Trump signage dies after attack outside home

A Southern California man known for displaying American flags and pro-Trump memorabilia outside his home has died after a violent attack in Escondido, according to multiple reports, citing local police.

Kerry George Sheron, 69, was hospitalized in critical condition after the May 20 incident and died May 24, police said, per NBC News and ABC News. His family described him to the news outlets as a warm and social presence who spent years working as a chef at local retirement homes.

Sheron’s family said his death has left a deep void, with his stepdaughter, Alejandra Nava, adding that the loss has “kind of rocked us.” She said he hosted a weekly Friday fish fry that brought together friends and neighbors.

“He was definitely a kind man,” Nava told NBC News. “Anybody who was anybody knew him at the churches and stuff.”

Sheron’s wife, Maria Garcia, told the outlet that her husband was a “beautiful man” and said she is struggling to cope with the loss.

“I want my husband back,” she said.

Sheron’s home, which displayed numerous flags and political signage, had become known locally as the “Trump House,” according to ABC News. Relatives said the property had faced past harassment, though nothing previously escalated to violence.

USA TODAY reached out to the Escondido Police Department and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office for additional information about the attack and case on May 28.

The attack outside his Escondido home

Police said officers were called around 2:15 p.m. on May 20 after reports of an assault outside Sheron’s residence. When they arrived, they found an elderly man suffering from significant injuries. A bystander who intervened was also hurt.

Investigators said Sheron was struck in the jaw and then beaten repeatedly after falling to the ground, according to NBC News. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition and later died from his injuries.

Authorities said the suspect fled on foot before being located nearby.

Arrest and ongoing investigation

Police arrested 32-year-old Thomas Caleb Butler, a Navy veteran also from Escondido, on suspicion of attempted murder, elder abuse, criminal threats and battery, NBC News reported. He pleaded not guilty on May 22, per the outlet.

Attorney information for Butler was not immediately available in court records on May 27 and USA TODAY was unable to determine whether he had retained legal representation. Butler’s next hearing is scheduled for June 3, San Diego County District Attorney’s Office spokesperson Tanya Sierra told NBC News.

Butler reportedly served as an information systems technician from 2011 to 2023, with assignments in multiple states and deployments tied to counterterrorism operations.

Officials have not announced a motive. Police said detectives have not found evidence indicating the attack was politically motivated and are still investigating whether the suspect and victim had any prior contact.

The cause and manner of death remain pending from the San Diego medical examiner’s office. USA TODAY reached out to the medical examiner’s office for additional information on the status of the autopsy and whether any preliminary findings were available.

The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office is expected to review the case at a June 3 hearing to determine whether charges will be amended, ABC News reported.

Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at [email protected], or on X @athompsonUSAT