The man who was badly beaten outside his President Trump-themed Escondido home last week has died, the victim’s wife told NBC 7 on Monday.
Army veteran Kerry Sheron, 69, was hospitalized after suffering significant injuries on May 20 after being attacked outside his home near East Mission Avenue and Buchanan Street, according to the Escondido Police Department.
Sheron remained in critical condition in the hospital until he died on Sunday night, according to his wife, Maria Garcia.
The man accused of attacking an Escondido man pleaded not guilty in court. Prosecutors claim Thomas Caleb Butler beat the man outside of his home leaving him in critical condition. NBC 7’s Joe Little spoke to those who know the victim who believe his support of President Trump incited the attack.
Thomas Caleb Butler, 32, was charged with attempted murder, elder abuse, making criminal threats, and battery. In court last Friday, Butler pleaded not guilty to attempted murder and other charges. A judge ordered Butler held without bail for the time being.
Security video obtained by NBC 7 from across the street shows the altercation. The bystander told NBC 7 the homeowner was standing in the front yard when the suspect came up and attacked him. The witness tried to intervene before the suspect fled on foot before officers arrived.
Deputy District Attorney Ross Garcia said Sheron suffered severe injuries during what prosecutors described as an unprovoked attack.
“It was a single punch to the jaw,” Garcia said. “The victim then falls to the floor, and there are subsequent hits to the victim’s head area.”
Garcia said Butler faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. Last week, Garcia had said that charges against Butler could change if Sheron did not survive his injuries.
Authorities have not said what led to the attack or whether Butler and Sheron knew each other.
“It’s unclear at this moment if they knew each other,” Garcia said. “What I can say is that it was an unprovoked attack.”
On Friday, nearly 100 people gathered outside Sheron’s home to show their support for him. Many left flowers, balloons and prayers for Sheron.
Garcia said the couple had in the past experienced harassment and threats related to the displays outside their home, but said incidents had never turned violent before.
After his passing, folks arrived outside Sheron’s home on Monday to show their support with signs.
An Escondido woman says a man nearly beat her husband to death outside of their home. The Army veteran is now fighting for his life in the hospital. The suspected attacker is being held on attempted murder charges. NBC 7’s Joe Little reports.
