Police probe if fatal attack on man outside his Trump-themed home had political motive

A US Army veteran has died after being assaulted in broad daylight last week outside his southern California home, which was known locally for its pro-Trump decor, say officials.

Kerry George Sheron, 69, died in hospital four days after the incident, in which a bystander who intervened was also injured, police in the city of Escondido said. No motive has yet been identified.

Officials arrested Thomas Caleb Butler, 32, a few blocks away after he allegedly fled on foot.

The suspect, who is being detained without bail, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, elder abuse, making criminal threats and battery. He pleaded not guilty in court.

Butler entered his plea before Sheron's death and charges against him could now be amended.

Escondido police said they had responded to a report of an assault just after 14:00 local time on 20 May in the city, located 100 miles (160km) south of Los Angeles.

Officers found Sheron "suffering from significant injuries", as well as the unnamed person who intervened and was injured.

Sheron was transported to a local hospital in critical condition and died on 24 May.

His cause and manner of death are pending determination by the medical examiner.

Butler made his first court appearance last Friday, pleading not guilty to attempted murder and other charges. He is due back in court on 3 June.

"The case is in the process of being presented to the San Diego County District Attorney's Office, which is reviewing the circumstances to determine whether charges will be amended," police said on Monday.

The district attorney's office did not immediately respond on Thursday to the BBC's request for comment.

Butler had severe PTSD and intense paranoia following his career in the US Navy, according to friends of his cited by US media.

Friends and neighbours gathered outside Sheron's home in Escondido, California, on Monday, where they waved a flag and held signs notifying passersby of his death, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported.

Longtime friend Jim Gillie told the newspaper that Sheron's US flags, military insignia and pro-Trump signs had been on display outside the home for years, despite incidents of vandalism.

"Kerry was a Trump supporter, but he was a patriot first, and when people would come and spew anti-Trump stuff at him, he didn't let it bother him," Gillie said. "He'd just say, 'They have a right to freedom of speech, and so do I.'"

Sheron's wife of 20 years told the local CBS News station that her husband and the suspect did not know each other, but that she believed the yard display had played a role in the attack.

"A lot of people - they don't like the flags. I don't know why. I support America - my husband is a veteran," she told CBS 8.

An online fundraiser organised by Sheron's family has raised more than $47,000 (£34,800) for funeral and memorial expenses, travel costs and immediate family needs.

The family described Sheron's death as a "heartbreaking tragedy".

"His loss has devastated our family beyond words," they said.

The San Diego County deputy district attorney said that the attack was unprovoked.

"It was a single punch to the jaw," Deputy DA Ross Garcia told reporters on Friday.

"The victim then falls to the floor, and there are subsequent hits to the victim's head area."

Detectives are evaluating all potential motives for the assault, including whether the incident had any political component, Escondido Police Lt Lee Stewart told the Los Angeles Times.

Stewart also noted they "have not developed evidence to support that conclusion".