ESCONDIDO — Kerry Sheron, 69, was attacked outside his Escondido home just before 2:15 p.m. on May 20. He was hospitalized in critical condition and died on Sunday.

Thomas Caleb Butler, 32, was identified as the suspect and initially fled the scene but was later located in the surrounding area. Butler was booked on charges of attempted murder, elder abuse, criminal threats, and battery. He pleaded not guilty at an arraignment on Friday.

Deputy District Attorney Ross Garcia alleged that Butler struck Sheron in the jaw and then hit him repeatedly in the head after Sheron fell to the ground. Garcia described the attack as unprovoked.

A bystander who intervened during the assault was also injured. Detectives are evaluating all potential motives and investigating whether Sheron and Butler knew each other or had previous contact. Police said they had not developed evidence to support the conclusion that there was a political component to the attack.

Sheron’s home was decorated with American flags, patriotic displays, and Donald Trump memorabilia. His wife, Maria Garcia, said they had experienced harassment and threats in the past over the patriotic displays at their home, but the incidents never became violent. “He was a beautiful man. I want my husband back,” she said.

Butler is a U.S. Navy veteran who served from 2011 to 2023 as an information service technician. He enlisted in New York and was stationed in Virginia, Florida, California, and Illinois. His service record shows he earned medals for deployment in the war on terror and in support of counterterrorism operations. A decision on whether additional charges will be filed is expected at Butler’s June 3 hearing, according to Tanya Sierra, a spokesperson for the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.

The cause and manner of Sheron’s death are pending determination by the medical examiner’s office. Relatives of Butler either declined to comment or did not respond to a request for comment.