A 69-year-old Southern California Army veteran known for his heavily decorated home displaying pro-Trump messaging is in critical condition after being brutally assaulted outside his residence Wednesday afternoon.
Kerry Sheron was discovered with severe injuries near East Mission Avenue and Buchanan Street in Escondido around 2:15 p.m. after police responded to reports of an assault in progress. He was rushed to a trauma center where he remains in the ICU.
Sheron’s wife, Maria Garcia, told reporters she does not expect him to survive his injuries. Police arrested 32-year-old Thomas Caleb Butler at the scene and charged him with attempted murder, holding him without bail at the Vista Detention Facility in San Diego County.
Background on the Suspect
Butler is a Navy veteran who has struggled with serious mental health issues, according to a person familiar with him. The acquaintance said Butler had been taking medication for mental illness but his condition deteriorated significantly in recent months, describing him as “increasingly paranoid and unstable.”
“He sits in his room and thinks everyone is coming to get him,” the source said of Butler, who has been unemployed since leaving the Navy. Police have not publicly confirmed whether mental health factors contributed to the alleged assault.
Possible Motive
Garcia suggested the home’s visible political displays, which include extensive American flags and pro-Trump messaging that have made it recognizable throughout San Diego, may have provoked the attack. “They don’t like the flags. I don’t know why. I support America. My husband is [a] veteran,” she said.
California Republican Rep. Darrell Issa called for a swift investigation, claiming Trump supporters “are routinely the victims of leftist violence all across the country.” Authorities have not publicly released details about the circumstances leading up to the confrontation or declared a confirmed motive.
Witness Account
A utility worker who witnessed the assault helped restrain the suspect until police arrived but sustained injuries during the intervention. The home has previously been targeted with vandalism and complaints due to its prominent political messaging.