Witnesses have recounted the harrowing incident involving the owner of the House of Cards in Escondido, where a deadly clash took place. They reported that the alleged assailant called for the victim to come outside before brutally attacking him.
Anthony Cabrera, who spoke to NBC San Diego, mentioned that on May 20, he heard Thomas Butler, 32, pounding on the door of Kelly Sheron, 69, the victim.
Cabrera described the assault as being so swift it felt nearly surreal. Apparently, Butler shouted slurs at Sheron, demanding he come out. When Sheron requested Butler to leave, the attacker accused him of being a “hater” while allegedly hurling vulgar insults.
A doorbell camera captured the moment Butler struck Sheron, sending him to the ground and kicking him in the head, reported NBC San Diego.
The witness noted that Butler initially seemed to want to calm things down. But, at one point, he looked Cabrera in the eye and ominously declared he was “going to die” before launching an attack on Cabrera instead, leading to Butler retreating from the scene.
At that critical moment, Sheron began vomiting blood and lost consciousness. Cabrera recalled how they positioned him on his side to help him breathe more easily.
Sadly, Sheron succumbed to his injuries later on. Butler now faces murder charges—though he has pleaded not guilty.
The motive behind the assault remains unclear. Friends and family indicated that Butler had been struggling with PTSD following his time in the Navy.
Butler’s wife expressed confusion about the incident, stating she couldn’t understand why he would attack Sheron, as they had previously exchanged pleasantries while walking their dog.
Cabrera speculated that Butler’s intense anger was misdirected at Sheron, describing him as someone filled with rage aimed at the wrong targets.
This area, often referred to as the Trump House, has gained a reputation for its flamboyant decorations featuring the American flag and tributes to Donald Trump. Sheron previously reported incidents of vandalism at his property.
Currently, Butler is in custody without bail and is undergoing a psychological evaluation to assess his fitness for trial. The case is stalled pending this mental health evaluation.
