The suspect accused of allegedly viciously hurting the elderly owner of the San Diego “Trump House” is a Navy veteran with “severe PTSD,” a family friend exclusively told The California Post.
32-year-old Thomas Caleb Butler allegedly tried to kill 69-year-old Kerry Sheron on Wednesday, leaving him in a condition that his wife believes he has “no hope” of recovering from.
The circumstances surrounding the assault are still unclear, but police believe Butler didn’t know Sheron.
Butler’s friend even said he “liked” the house, which Butler lived mere blocks away from, and supported President Donald Trump as a registered Republican. The attack stunned the Butler family friend, who doesn’t know why he would have allegedly assaulted Sheron.
“This is the guy that plays with Legos and Star Wars stuff,” the friend said.
Police said they responded to a violent attack on East Mission Avenue and Buchanan Street in Escondido at about 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, where they found Sheron lying with severe injuries and a utility worker restraining the alleged attacker.
Neighbors had complained about Sheron’s display, full of American flags and Trump memorabilia, and a vandalism incident appeared to have occurred in March, according to his Facebook page. But it’s unclear if Butler allegedly attacked Sheron because of the display.
Butler’s family friend says the 32-year-old was medicated for his mental illness, but that it was debilitating for the man. After serving several years in the Navy, Butler was unemployed and dealing with demons, the friend said.
He “sits in his room and thinks everyone is coming to get him,” the friend said, suggesting Butler suffered intense paranoia.
Police believe political alignment didn’t have anything to do with the attack and are currently in the process of speaking to witnesses. They told The Post they’re still actively working the case.
Butler is currently booked in Vista Detention Facility on a charge of first-degree attempted murder. He’s currently not eligible for bail and will be arraigned on Friday.
If convicted of the charge, he could spend life in prison.
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