A man who allegedly attacked the owner of the so-called “Trump House” in Escondido, who died days later from his injuries, was scheduled to appear in court Wednesday to face a newly filed murder charge, although the hearing was postponed. Thomas Caleb Butler, 32, is accused in the May 20 atta ck on 69-year-old Kerry Sheron outside Sheron’s home, which was well known locally for its prominent display of American flags and pro-President Donald Trump memorabilia. Wednesday’s hearing was postponed after Butler, who remains in custody without bail, refused to appear, a courtroom bailiff said. Sheron’s family and friends were in court Wednesday and were visibly upset the hearing had been postponed. “It’s just really ridiculous rules that they allow them to do that,” Sheron’s friend Amy Le said. “He took somebody’s life.” “Why does he have the right to say I don’t feel like going to court today? … This coward who’s afraid to show his face and would rather be in jail than face justice,” another friend, Jim Gillie, said. “We just pray that Kerry gets justice.” Prosecutors allege Butler punched Sheron, causing the victim to collapse to the ground, then struck him several more times after Sheron had fallen. A bystander who attempted to intervene was also injured, according to police. Escondido police said an alleged motive for the attack remains under investigation, including whether there may have been “a political component,” though the department said it had not developed evidence to support that conclusion. Investigators were also exploring whether Butler and Sheron had any prior relationship with one another. Butler was initially charged with attempted murder, elder abuse, making criminal threats and battery. He pleaded not guilty last month, but Sheron died in a hospital two days after Butler’s arraignment. Earlier this week, an amended complaint was filed charging Butler with murder as well as making criminal threats and battery. He has not yet been arraigned on the added charge. “The violent assault and murder of Kerry Sheron outside his own home has left his family and community shaken and grieving the for the veteran’s senseless loss of life,” San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan said in a written statement following the scheduled appearance. Butler is next scheduled to appear in court on Friday. ...read more read less