Southbury Native, Army Veteran Known For Trump Signs Dies After Brutal Beating

SOUTHBURY, CT — A Southbury native and Army veteran known for displaying pro-Trump signs outside his California home died days after he was brutally beaten outside the residence, according to prosecutors and his obituary.

Kerry G. Sheron, 69, died May 24 after he was attacked outside his Escondido, California, home on May 20, according to the San Diego County District Attorney's Office.

Prosecutors said Thomas C. Butler has since been charged with murder after Sheron died from injuries he suffered in the assault. Butler had previously been charged with attempted murder and now faces 28 years to life in prison if convicted, prosecutors said.

Sheron was born in Waterbury and graduated from high school in Southbury before joining the U.S. Army in 1977, serving two years in Germany, according to his obituary.

He later moved to California, where he worked as a chef in assisted living facilities for more than 40 years. His obituary describes him as a compassionate man who loved classic cars and motorcycles and "cared very deeply" for the people he served.

Sheron's Escondido home had become known locally as the "Trump House" because of its prominent display of American flags and pro-President Donald Trump memorabilia. Friends told KGTV the property had been targeted before, including a March incident in which someone used razor blades to cut down several of Sheron's flags.

Sheron's wife has said she believes the home's political displays may have made him a target, though authorities are still investigating the official motive.

An Escondido Police Department spokesperson said investigators are examining whether there may have been "a political component" to the attack, according to ABC News.