The owner, Kerry Sheron, was known for covering his home in pro-Trump and MAGA flags.
The owner of the southern California “Trump House” has died after being attacked outside his Escondido home in San Diego County. The owner, Kerry Sheron, who was known for covering his home in pro-Trump and MAGA flags, died on Sunday evening.
Sheron had been in the hospital in critical condition for nearly a week before he passed, per the New York Post. Prosecutors have said that the attack was carried out by 32-year-old Thomas Caleb Butler, who said that he attacked Sheron in an unprovoked assault.
Butler has pleaded not guilty to charges that include attempted murder, elderly abuse, as well as battery. Deputy District Attorney Ross Garcia said that Sheron suffered critical injuries in the 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.”
Bulter is in jail without bail and charges could be upgraded following Sheron’s death. A motive has not been determined and it is not clear if Butler knew Sheron before the confrontation. A neighbor has said that Butler was someone that struggled with mental health issues after his military service and that he suffered from “severe PTSD.”
The same source also said that Bulter was a fan of the house and supported President Donald Trump and is a registered Republican. A friend of Bulter added, “This is the guy that plays with Legos and Star Wars stuff,” and described him as paranoid. “He sits in his room and thinks everyone is coming to get him.”
The house has drawn complaints as well as been victim to vandalism over the years. After the attack, Sheron was transported to the hospital with critical injuries, and his wife at the time believed he had “no hope” of recovering.
According to CBS8, his wife of 20 years said that she believes the yard display had played a role. “A lot of people – they don’t like the flags. I don’t know why. I support America – my husband is a veteran.” She said her husband did not know Butler previous to the attack.
Butler is facing up to 15 years if convicted on the attempted murder charges, but that could increase if murder charges are brought. Witnesses said that Bulter also attacked a witness who intervened during the incident.
There was a vigil held for Sheron on Friday before his passing, with community members saying that he was a kind person who did not deserve to be attacked.
