A southern California man has died after an assault last week in front of his San Diego area home, which was well known for its extensive collection of US flags and signs supporting Donald Trump.
Authorities confirmed on Monday that Kerry Sheron, a 69-year-old US army veteran, died days after he was attacked on Wednesday outside his home in Escondido. Police have arrested Thomas Butler, a 32-year-old who media outlets have identified as a navy veteran, on multiple charges including attempted murder, elder abuse and battery.
Officers were called to the street where Sheron lived for a reported assault on the afternoon of 20 May and came upon a badly injured Sheron as well as a bystander who was injured after intervening, according to a report from Military.com. Police arrested Butler a short time later after searching the area.
Ross Garcia, a deputy district attorney, said the violence against Sheron was unprovoked, CBS8 reported.
“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,” Garcia said.
Law enforcement have told media the motive is still under investigation but that investigators do not yet have information suggesting the incident was politically motivated.
Sheron’s family has described it as a “brutal and unprovoked attack”. The incident has sparked outrage, and Sheron’s wife and some public officials have suggested it was a result of his political beliefs.
Brian Jones, California’s Senate minority leader from San Diego, called Sheron’s death “unconscionable” and said he was “ruthlessly murdered” because of his support “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 in a statement.
The San Diego district attorney’s office said that Butler will return to court on 3 June and is currently in custody without bail.
