Rally for Escondido Army Veteran Killed in Attack Outside Trump-Themed Home

A rally was held Sunday in Poway to honor the life of Kerry Sheron, a 69-year-old Army veteran who died after being attacked outside his Trump-themed home in Escondido on May 20. The event took place at the intersection of Pomerado Road and Twin Peaks Road, a site known for political rallies, but attendees said this gathering carried a deeper meaning.

Sheron's wife, Maria Garcia, expressed gratitude for the support but said she just wants her life back. "I like the support and everything, but I want my life back," Garcia said.

She noted she has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love since her husband's death. Supporters lined all four corners of the intersection, carrying American flags, banners, and signs in Sheron's memory.

"All the people, demonstrations and love to him because he was a good guy," Garcia said. Some attendees said they met Sheron through the weekly rallies he and Garcia regularly attended.

"We became friends from rallying together and we reach out to one another, support one another," said Amy Le, a friend of the couple. Le said attendees hope the criminal case ultimately delivers justice.

"It's unfortunate what happened to Kerry, it's really sad and we just hope that justice can be served for Kerry," she said. Garcia added, "I want to appreciate everything for my husband because he didn't deserve to die like that." The legal case is moving forward.

During a court hearing on June 5, the attorney for 32-year-old Thomas Caleb Butler raised concerns about his client's mental competency. A judge ordered a mental health evaluation by a court-appointed doctor.

Investigators say Butler was captured on surveillance video allegedly attacking Sheron and a bystander outside Sheron's home. Although no evidence regarding a motive has yet been presented in court, Garcia and Le believe Sheron may have been targeted because of his political beliefs.

The couple's home is decorated with multiple American flags and banners supporting President Donald Trump. "We can agree to disagree on things, but it doesn't have to come to the point to take somebody's life," Le said.

Escondido police say a possible motive remains under investigation, including whether there was a political component to the attack. However, investigators have said they currently have no evidence supporting that theory.

Butler is scheduled to return to court in mid-July. If he is found mentally competent, he will be arraigned on the charges.

If he is deemed incompetent, additional proceedings will be scheduled. If convicted, Butler faces a sentence of up to 28 years to life in state prison.