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

A US Army veteran in southern California has died after being assaulted last week outside his home, which was well known in the area for its elaborate display of American flags, military insignias and pro-Trump and Maga decor.

Kerry George Sheron, 69, died in hospital four days after the incident, in which a bystander who intervened was also injured, Escondido police 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 responded to a report of an assault just after 14:00 local time on 20 May.

Upon arrival, officers located Sheron, who was "suffering from significant injuries", as well as the injured person who intervened.

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.

US media, including the New York Post and Fox News, cited friends of Butler who said that the US Navy veteran has "severe PTSD" and intense paranoia that began after his naval career.

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

Sheron's longtime friend Jim Gillie told the newspaper that Sheron's memorabilia 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 believes the yard display 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 on Thursday.

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 has said that the 20 May attack, which occurred in broad daylight, 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."

The motive remains under investigation.

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

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