Man pleads not guilty in attack on Escondido veteran known for Trump yard display – cbs8.com
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ESCONDIDO, Calif. — The man charged in a brutal attack on an Escondido homeowner known for his political yard display made his first court appearance Friday, pleading not guilty to attempted murder and other charges.
Thomas Butler, 32, remained stoic during his arraignment in Vista court. He faces charges stemming from Wednesday’s attack on 69-year-old Army veteran Kerry Sheron, who remains in critical condition and fighting for his life.
Deputy District Attorney Ross Garcia said the attack was unprovoked. “It was a single punch to the jaw. The victim then falls to the floor, and there are subsequent hits to the victim’s head area, requiring the victim to be transported to the hospital,” Garcia said.
Butler also attacked a witness who tried to intervene, punching him and making criminal threats, prosecutors said.
The incident happened in broad daylight outside Sheron’s Mission Avenue home, which is well-known for its display of American flags and signs supporting President Trump.
While Garcia said the motive remains under investigation, Sheron’s wife of 20 years believes politics played a role. “A lot of people – they don’t like the flags I don’t know why. I support America – my husband is a veteran,” she said.
She said the two men didn’t know each other.
Butler faces charges including attempted murder, elder abuse causing great bodily injury, making criminal threats and battery. He’s being held without bail and faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. Prosecutors said those charges could change if Sheron doesn’t survive.
A vigil for Sheron was being held Friday evening outside his home, drawing community members who described him as a kind person who didn’t deserve the attack.
