Eyewitness Describes Fatal Beating of 'Trump House' Owner in Escondido

A witness tells NBC San Diego how suspect Thomas Butler, 32, called out Kerry Sheron before beating him to death on May 20. Butler has pleaded not guilty and is undergoing a mental health evaluation.

Witness breaks silence on deadly attack at Escondido's 'Trump House'

A bystander who was present during the fatal assault on Kerry Sheron, 69, the owner of Escondido's well-known "Trump House," has described the attack in stark detail. According to NY Post Metro, Anthony Cabrera told NBC San Diego that suspect Thomas Butler, 32, banged loudly on Sheron's front door on May 20, then shouted for the homeowner to come outside and directed a gay slur at him.

When Sheron asked Butler to leave, Butler called him a "hater" and accused him of using "vulgar names" toward others, Cabrera recalled.

Doorbell camera captures the assault

A doorbell camera recorded Butler punching Sheron to the ground and kicking him twice in the head. Cabrera described the violence as "so fast it's kind of insane."

Cabrera said he attempted to intervene, at which point Butler turned to him and said, "you're going to die," then moved toward him. Cabrera struck Butler, who then fled the scene. By that point, Sheron was unresponsive and coughing up blood.

"He was out cold — he was snorting up blood. I had him put on his side so he could breathe properly," Cabrera said.

Cabrera called 911 and remained with Sheron until paramedics arrived. Police located Butler nearby and took him into custody shortly after.

Victim dies; suspect pleads not guilty

Sheron later died from his injuries. Butler has since pleaded not guilty to murder charges and is being held without bail. His case has been suspended pending a psychological evaluation to determine whether he is mentally fit to stand trial.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear. Friends and family of Butler described him as struggling with PTSD following his service in the Navy. His wife, Breanna Butler, said the two had previously encountered Sheron and his wife while walking their dogs past the property and had exchanged pleasantries without incident.

"He never showed any signs of hostility before when we spoke with them," Breanna Butler told The California Post. "I don't really know where it came from."

Cabrera offered his own interpretation of events, stopping short of explaining the motive but characterizing Butler as someone consumed by unplaced rage.

"It's just somebody super angry. Angry at who knows why, but definitely to someone who doesn't deserve it," he said.

Background: The 'Trump House'

The property had become a local landmark for its extensive display of American flags and memorabilia honoring President Donald Trump. Sheron had previously stated that the home was vandalized on at least one prior occasion.

Butler remains in custody while courts await the outcome of his psychological assessment before proceedings can resume.

Source: NY Post Metro