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A Southern California man known for displaying American flags and pro-Trump memorabilia outside his home has died after being assaulted in Escondido, multiple reports said, citing local police.
Police said Kelly George Sheron, 69, was hospitalized in critical condition after the May 20 incident and died on May 24, according to NBC News and ABC News. His family described him to news outlets as a warm and outgoing person who worked for years as a chef at a local nursing home.
Mr. Sheron’s family said his death left a deep void, and his stepdaughter, Alejandra Nava, added that the loss “kind of shook us up.” She said she hosted a fish fry every Friday with friends and neighbors.
“He was definitely a kind person,” Nava told NBC News. “Everyone knew him from church and stuff.”
Cheron’s wife, Maria Garcia, told the program that her husband was a “beautiful person” and that she was struggling to cope with the loss.
“I want my husband back,” she said.
Sheron’s home was home to numerous flags and political signs, and became known locally as the “Trump House,” according to ABC News. Relatives said there had been harassment at the facility in the past, but it had never escalated into violence.
On May 28, USA TODAY reached out to the Escondido Police Department and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office for additional information regarding the attack and incident.
Attack outside Escondido home
According to police, officers were dispatched around 2:15 p.m. on May 20 to reports of an assault outside Sheron’s residence. When they arrived, they found an elderly man with serious injuries. A bystander who intervened was also injured.
Investigators said Sheron was punched in the jaw and repeatedly punched after he fell to the ground, according to NBC News. He was taken to hospital in critical condition, but later succumbed to his injuries.
The suspect fled on foot before being spotted nearby, authorities said.
Arrest and ongoing investigation
Police arrested Thomas Caleb Butler, 32, a Navy veteran also from Escondido, on charges of attempted murder, elder abuse, criminal threats and assault, NBC News reported. He pleaded not guilty on May 22, the newspaper reported.
Butler’s attorney information was not immediately available in court records as of May 27, and USA TODAY was unable to determine whether he retained legal representation. San Diego County District Attorney’s Office spokeswoman Tanya Sierra told NBC News that Butler’s next hearing is scheduled for June 3.
Butler reportedly worked as an information systems technician from 2011 to 2023, serving missions in multiple states and deployments related to counterterrorism operations.
Authorities have not released a motive. Police said detectives have found no evidence that the attack was politically motivated and are continuing to investigate whether the suspect and the victim had any prior contact.
The cause and manner of death have not yet been released by the San Diego Medical Examiner’s Office. USA TODAY has contacted the medical examiner’s office for additional information about the status of the autopsy and whether preliminary findings are available.
ABC News reports that the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office will investigate the incident at a June 3 hearing to determine whether the charges will be amended.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com or X @athompsonUSAT.
