Case against Trump house owners suspected killer is suddenly suspended
The criminal case against the man accused of fatally beating the owner of Southern California’s “Trump House” has been put on hold while a court-appointed psychiatrist evaluates whether he is mentally competent to stand trial.Kerry Sheron, a 69-year-old Army veteran known in Escondido for decorating his property with American flags, patriotic displays and pro-Donald Trump paraphernalia, died in May after spending nearly a week in critical condition following a violent assault outside his home.Thomas Caleb Butler, 32, is charged with murder and several related felonies in connection with the attack.Prosecutors allege Butler punched Sheron, knocking him to the ground, and then continued striking him while he was down.A bystander who attempted to intervene was also injured.The case took an unexpected turn after Butler refused to leave his jail cell for a scheduled arraignment hearing last week.As a result, Judge Richard Monroy suspended the criminal proceedings pending a psychiatric evaluation to determine whether Butler understands the nature of the charges against him and is capable of assisting in his own defense.Supporters of Sheron gathered outside court hearings this week, many carrying signs and calling for justice for the slain veteran.Butler remains jailed without bail at the Vista Detention Facility.
If convicted on all charges, he could face a sentence of 28 years to life in state prison.Authorities have not announced a motive for the attack.Escondido police said investigators are continuing to examine all possibilities, including whether politics played any role in the incident, though officials have emphasized that no evidence has yet been uncovered to support that conclusion.Investigators have also sought to determine whether Butler and Sheron had any prior relationship.“The violent assault and murder of Kerry Sheron outside his own home has left his family and community shaken and grieving for the veteran’s senseless loss of life,”San Diego...