A Tucson grandmother who had twice survived cancer died four days after an alleged attack outside her apartment complex, authorities said. Susan Gehrke, 61, was pronounced dead on July 28, according to the Tucson Police Department. The suspect, 27-year-old Dahseir Edward Jefferson, was arrested and initially charged with aggravated assault. Police later amended the charges to second-degree murder following Gehrke’s death. He is being held on a $650,000 bond.
Tucson police responded to reports of a fight at an apartment complex at 1201 N. Alvernon Way around 10 p.m. on July 24. Officers found Gehrke and another man with injuries. Gehrke was transported to a hospital in critical condition, while the man she was with fled the scene before officers arrived. Investigators learned that Gehrke and the male victim were on an apartment patio when Jefferson allegedly approached, became confrontational, and assaulted both individuals.
The male victim was reportedly punched first and sustained serious injuries after falling. Detectives identified Jefferson as a suspect and located him on July 28 near Speedway Boulevard and Country Club Road. He was arrested without incident.
State records indicate Jefferson has a prior felony conviction for aggravated assault, for which he was sentenced to five years in prison in 2021 and released in October 2024. He also has an earlier burglary conviction.
Gehrke’s family described her as a “beacon of light” who worked tirelessly to support her family and was nearing retirement. They noted her resilience in beating cancer twice and expressed shock that her life was allegedly taken by someone with a history of violence.
Detectives from the department’s Robbery Assault Unit and Homicide Unit are continuing their investigation into the incident.