Overview
- Prosecutors filed an amended complaint charging 32-year-old Thomas Caleb Butler with murder in the death of 69-year-old Kerry Sheron following an assault outside Sheron's Escondido home.
- Authorities say the attack unfolded on May 20 when prosecutors allege Butler punched Sheron, causing him to fall, and then struck him several more times while a bystander who intervened was also injured.
- Butler was initially charged with attempted murder, elder abuse, criminal threats and battery and pleaded not guilty at his arraignment before Sheron later died from his injuries.
- Butler remains jailed without bail and is due back in court for further hearings as prosecutors pursue the upgraded homicide count.
- Escondido police are investigating motive, including whether a political element played a role, but officials say they have not developed evidence to confirm that and they are also examining any prior connection between Butler and Sheron.