A 69-year-old U.S. Army veteran died days after being attacked outside his home in Escondido, California, authorities confirmed Monday. Kerry Sheron was assaulted on Wednesday afternoon in front of his residence, which displayed numerous American flags and pro-Trump signage.
Thomas Butler, 32, a Navy veteran, was arrested shortly after the incident on charges including attempted murder, elder abuse, and battery. He remains in custody without bail pending a June 3 court appearance.
According to a deputy district attorney, the violence was sudden and severe. "It was a single punch to the jaw. The victim then falls to the floor, and there are subsequent hits to the victim's head area, requiring the victim to be transported to the hospital," Ross Garcia told CBS8. A bystander who attempted to help was also injured during the encounter.
Law enforcement has emphasized that investigators are still probing the motive behind the assault. Officials told media outlets they have found no evidence so far suggesting the attack was politically motivated, despite the prominence of Sheron's political displays at his home.
Sheron's family characterized the incident as a "brutal and unprovoked attack." The case has drawn attention from elected officials. Brian Jones, California's Senate minority leader from San Diego, issued a statement calling Sheron's death "unconscionable" and describing him as "ruthlessly murdered" for his support of what Jones called "freedom, patriotism, and our president."
"It was callous and it was evil. To kill an elderly man over his political beliefs is not only heartbreaking, it is un-American to its core," Jones said. However, prosecutors have not indicated any political motive in their charges or public statements about the case.
Author James Rodriguez: "The gap between what some are claiming and what law enforcement has actually found is worth watching closely as this case develops."
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