Escondido Man Charged with Murder after Victim Dies from Severe Beating

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that Thomas C. Butler has been charged with murder following the death of Escondido resident Kerry Sheron. Butler was previously charged and arraigned on May 22 for attempted murder in connection with the brutal May 20 assault. Mr. Sheron later died from the injuries inflicted during the attack, leading to the murder charge.

“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,” DA Stephan said. “My office has filed a murder charge along with related charges against the perpetrator and will seek justice and accountability under the law while providing support for the victim’s family. The investigation will continue to seek answers to the relevant aspects of this case.”

Butler did not appear in court today as scheduled and was not arraigned on the murder charge. A new court hearing has been set for June 5 at 8:30 a.m. in Department 6 of the Vista Superior Court. If convicted, he faces 28 years-to-life in prison.

Deputy DA Ross Garcia and Keith Watanabe are prosecuting this case.