A Fatal Assault in Escondido: 69-Year-Old Man Dies Days After Unprovoked Attack
"The attack was unprovoked." – Deputy District Attorney Ross Garcia
Incident
On May 20, 2025, at approximately 2:15 p.m., police responded to a report of an assault on the 800 block of Ash Street in Escondido, California. Officers found Kerry Sheron, 69, with significant injuries. He was transported to a hospital in critical condition and died five days later, on May 25.
The medical examiner's office is currently determining the cause and manner of death.
According to Deputy District Attorney Ross Garcia, the attack was unprovoked. Garcia stated that the suspect, Thomas Caleb Butler, 32, punched Sheron in the jaw, causing him to fall, and then struck him repeatedly in the head. A bystander who intervened was also injured.
Suspect
Thomas Caleb Butler, 32, of Escondido, was arrested near the scene on May 20. He was booked on charges of attempted murder, elder abuse, criminal threats, and battery. At his arraignment on May 24, Butler pleaded not guilty.
Butler is a Navy veteran who served from 2011 to 2023 as an information service technician. He remains in custody without bail and is scheduled to appear in court on June 3, where additional charges may be announced.
Investigation
Police have stated that detectives have not found evidence to support a political motive for the attack. The investigation remains ongoing, including whether Sheron and Butler knew each other or had prior contact.
Statements
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Sheron's family and some public officials have suggested the attack was motivated by his political beliefs, citing signs supporting Donald Trump and US flags displayed at his home. California Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones described the death as "unconscionable" and stated Sheron was "ruthlessly murdered" for his beliefs.
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Stepdaughter Alejandra Nava described Sheron as a caring man who worked as a chef at retirement homes and hosted weekly fish fries. His wife, Maria Garcia, called him a beautiful man. Nava set up a GoFundMe campaign that has raised over $42,000.