OAN Staff Katherine Mosack
1:41 PM – Thursday, June 4, 2026
California prosecutors have brought a murder charge against the suspect connected to the death of the owner of the house known throughout Escondido, California, for its elaborate display of American and “Make America Great Again” flags.
On Wednesday, authorities announced they filed an amended complaint against 32-year-old Navy veteran Thomas Caleb Butler.
On May 20th, Butler was initially charged with attempted murder, elder abuse, making criminal threats and battery. He allegedly punched 69-year-old Army veteran Kerry Sheron outside of his house on East Mission Avenue and Buchanan Street, causing him to fall, then continued to strike him on the ground.
He pleaded not guilty to the first charges at his arraignment on May 22nd.
Butler’s charges were updated, however, after Sheron passed away in the hospital days after the attack. He was pronounced dead on May 24th after four days in critical condition.
The accused perpetrator, who lived near the famous “Trump House,” attempted to flee, but was cornered and arrested by responding law enforcement officials roughly a half-mile away near Begonia Street.
“The violent assault and murder of Kerry Sheron outside his own home has left his family and community shaken and grieving for the veteran’s senseless loss of life,” San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said in a statement. “My office has filed a murder charge along with related charges against the perpetrator and will seek justice and accountability under the law while providing support for the victim’s family. The investigation will continue to seek answers to the relevant aspects of this case.”
After a hearing on Wednesday morning was canceled, a new court hearing for Butler had been scheduled for Friday at 8:30 a.m. PT at the Vista Superior Court.
According to the district attorney’s office, if convicted, Butler faces 28 years to life in prison. He is currently being held without bail at the San Diego County Jail.
A GoFundMe for Sheron’s family, meant to cover funeral expenses and other needs, described the attack as “brutal and unprovoked.” As of Thursday afternoon, more than $59,000 has been raised.
“Kerry was a proud U.S. Army veteran known in the community for proudly displaying American flags and patriotic decorations outside his home. His loss has devastated our family beyond word,” the fundraiser’s description reads.
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