Susan Gehrke, a 61-year-old grandmother who survived cancer twice, died days after an alleged attack at her apartment complex.
TUCSON, Ariz. — A 27-year-old man faces a second-degree murder charge after a Tucson grandmother died from injuries suffered when she was allegedly punched and knocked to the ground at an apartment complex, authorities said.
Susan Marie Gehrke, 61, died July 29 following the July 24 assault near North Alvernon Way and East Speedway Boulevard, according to Tucson police and court records cited by local news organizations. Dahseir Edward Jefferson was initially arrested on aggravated assault charges before one charge was amended after Gehrke’s death. The accusations against Jefferson have not been proven in court.
According to an interim complaint, Jefferson approached Gehrke and a man while they were outside the apartment complex. Investigators allege that Jefferson first punched the man, causing him to fall and strike his head. The man was taken to a hospital in critical condition with injuries to his face, head, back and knee.
Jefferson then allegedly punched Gehrke, causing her to fall backward and hit her head, the complaint said. She lost consciousness and suffered a brain bleed. Investigators said part of her dentures broke during the assault. She remained hospitalized until her death several days later.
Tucson police arrested Jefferson on July 28 near Speedway Boulevard and Country Club Road, four days after the alleged attack. He had initially faced two counts of aggravated assault involving temporary but substantial injuries. Prosecutors added the second-degree murder charge after police were notified that Gehrke had died.
Jefferson was being held at the Pima County Adult Detention Complex on bonds totaling $650,000, according to published reports. Information about his plea, attorney or next scheduled court appearance was not immediately available. Authorities have not released a suspected motive or explained whether Jefferson knew either person before the encounter.
Gehrke’s relatives said she had survived cancer twice and spent much of her life working to support her family. She was approaching retirement and would have celebrated her 62nd birthday on Aug. 3, according to a fundraising page organized for the family.
Angelina Zills described Gehrke in the family’s statement as a person who placed the needs of her relatives ahead of her own. The statement said Gehrke had looked forward to retiring and spending more time with her children and grandchildren.
Frankie Zills, Gehrke’s grandson, told KOLD that his grandmother generally avoided confrontation. He said the family believed she may have been trying to help the other victim return inside when the second alleged assault occurred. Police have not publicly confirmed what Gehrke was doing immediately before she was struck.
Published court and corrections records show Jefferson was convicted of third-degree burglary in 2019. He was convicted in 2021 of aggravated assault involving a victim who was bound or restrained and received a five-year prison sentence. He was released in October 2024, according to records reviewed by local reporters. Those prior convictions are separate from the pending Tucson case and do not establish guilt in the current charges.
The investigation remained active Friday. Police had not released an update on the condition of the other injured person or announced additional charges. Gehrke’s death will continue to be reviewed through the criminal court process and the medical examination system.
Author note: Last updated July 31, 2026.