Escondido 'Trump House' Owner Dies After Assault; Suspect Had History of Violence

A 32-year-old man accused of assaulting the owner of the so-called 'Trump House' in Escondido has been identified as Thomas Caleb Butler, a former Navy surface warfare specialist with a history of violent and threatening behavior, according to court documents. The victim, Kerry Sheron, 68, died days after the attack on May 20 outside his home on Buchanan Street near Mission Avenue.

The home, known for its extensive front-yard display of American flags, military insignia, and pro-Trump memorabilia, has become a local landmark.

Butler was arrested shortly after the assault. He initially pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder, elder abuse, making criminal threats, and battery while Sheron was still hospitalized.

Following Sheron's death on Sunday, the District Attorney's Office announced it would decide whether to file additional charges related to the fatality at Butler's next court hearing, scheduled for Wednesday. Butler remains in custody without bail.

Escondido police Lt. Lee Stewart stated that detectives are evaluating all potential motives, including whether the attack had a political component, but noted that no evidence currently supports that conclusion.

Authorities are also investigating whether Butler and Sheron had any prior relationship or contact.

Court records from a family court case filed last year reveal that Butler's estranged wife described him as an 'unstable veteran' with mental health issues, including depression. She alleged that Butler had been the subject of multiple domestic violence calls, welfare checks, and mental health cases between February 2020 and February 2025, though none resulted in criminal charges in San Diego County.

In her request for temporary full custody of their young daughter, she stated that Butler would become violent, lashed out, and that his medication prevented him from waking up to care for their child at night. She also claimed he threatened to harm her or take their daughter to his family in New York.

A judge granted her partial custody, allowing the child to live with her full time.

Military records show Butler served 12 years in the Navy, leaving in 2023 as a surface warfare specialist with multiple achievement and good conduct medals. Property records indicate he and his wife purchased a home on Magnolia Avenue, just a few blocks from Sheron's residence, in September 2020.

Voter registration records show Butler registered as a Republican in April 2025 and voted in the 2024 Republican primary, having voted with no party preference in the 2020 presidential primary.

Prosecutors allege that on the day of the attack, Butler punched Sheron once in the jaw, causing him to fall to the ground, and then continued beating him until a bystander intervened and was also injured. Since the assault, neighbors and friends have held vigils and rallies outside Sheron's home, waving American flags and holding signs calling for prayers for him and his family.