A Southern California man who was attacked by a stranger outside of his President Trump-themed home has died of his injuries, according to police.
Escondido police said Kerry Sheron, a 69-year-old Army veteran, died Sunday in a hospital after a man beat him during the incident last week at the house adorned with pro-Trump flags and signs.
Police arrested and charged Thomas Caleb Butler, 32, in the unprovoked attack that saw the assailant knock down the victim with a punch to his jaw and then hit him several more times over the head.
Mr. Butler pleaded not guilty Friday to attempted first-degree murder, battery, threats and elder abuse causing great bodily injury. The suspect remains behind bars.
The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office has not announced new charges following Mr. Sheron’s death over the weekend.
“He tried to kill my husband, you know,” Maria Garcia, Mr. Sheron’s wife, told local CBS affiliate KFMB-TV. “It’s terrible. I don’t know what kind of hate… what heart, the black heart.”
Authorities said the altercation took place at about 2:15 p.m. on May 20.
Surveillance video showed a homeowner standing in his front yard when the suspect threw the first punch at the unwitting victim, according to local NBC affiliate KNSD.
A bystander tried to stop the attack, the footage showed, but was also injured by the assailant.
The suspect left the area but was quickly arrested by police.
Police have not pinned a motive on Mr. Butler, but Mr. Sheron’s wife said she believes the attack was politically motivated.
