A 69-year-old man known in his San Diego County neighborhood as the owner of the \u201cTrump house\u201d died from injuries suffered when he was brutally assaulted outside of his home. <\/p>\n
Kerry George Sheron of Escondido was hospitalized in critical condition last week after he was attacked outside his MAGA-themed residence at East Mission Avenue and Buchanan Street around 2 p.m., according to the city Police Department. The alleged attacker, Thomas Caleb Butler, 32, fled on foot and was apprehended that day. <\/p>\n
Butler initially was charged with attempted murder, cruelty to an elder resulting in great bodily injury, making a criminal threat and battery, according to the San Diego County district attorney\u2019s office. He pleaded not guilty Friday. <\/p>\n
On Sunday evening, police were notified that Sheron died. The cause of death is pending determination by the county medical examiner.<\/p>\n
The district attorney\u2019s office is reviewing the case and will announce whether an additional murder charge will be filed at Butler\u2019s June 3 court hearing, according to an office spokesperson. He remained in custody without bail.<\/p>\n
The motive for the attack is unclear. Officials are investigating whether it was related to Sheron\u2019s home, locally known for its decorations celebrating President Trump \u2014 including dozens of American flags as well as MAGA flags and posters of Trump thrusting his fist in the air following the 2024 assassination attempt in Butler, Penn. <\/p>\n
\u201cDetectives are evaluating all potential motives for the assault, including whether the incident may have had a political component; however, we have not developed evidence to support that conclusion,\u201d Escondido Police Lt. Lee Stewart told The Times on Tuesday. \u201cDetectives are also examining whether the suspect and victim had any prior relationship or history of contact.\u201d<\/p>\n