Susan Gehrke, a 61-year-old Tucson grandmother who survived cancer twice, died four days after she was allegedly attacked outside an apartment complex. Police said Dahseir Edward Jefferson, 27, approached Gehrke and a man on an apartment patio and assaulted both of them. Jefferson was arrested after a search and now faces a second-degree murder charge. He remains held on a $650,000 bond as the investigation continues.
The July 24 incident occurred at an apartment complex at 1201 N. Alvernon Way in Tucson. Officers and firefighters responded at approximately 10 p.m. after receiving reports of a fight. Gehrke was transported to a hospital in life-threatening condition and later died from her injuries.
Her family described her as a devoted worker who was preparing to retire. Relatives said her death has left them shocked and grieving, while detectives continue examining the circumstances of the alleged attack.
| 1) | Fatal attack at a Tucson apartment complex |
| 2) | Police investigation and arrest |
| 3) | Murder charge and criminal history |
| 4) | Family remembers Gehrke’s life |
| 5) | Investigation and court proceedings |
Fatal attack at a Tucson apartment complex
Tucson police and firefighters were called to the apartment complex at 1201 N. Alvernon Way at about 10 p.m. on July 24, 2026. Responders found Gehrke and an unidentified man suffering from injuries. Gehrke was taken to a hospital in life-threatening condition, while the other injured man was also treated after the alleged confrontation.
According to police, Gehrke and the man were on an apartment patio when Jefferson allegedly approached them and became confrontational. Investigators said the male victim was punched first and sustained serious injuries after falling to the ground. The alleged attacker left before officers arrived.
Police investigation and arrest
Detectives identified Jefferson during the initial investigation and began searching for him. Members of the Tucson Police Department’s community engagement squad located him on July 28 near Speedway Boulevard and Country Club Road, four days after the reported attack.
Jefferson was initially booked on two counts of aggravated assault. After Gehrke died from her injuries four days after the incident, police amended the charges to include second-degree murder. The case remains based on allegations, and the charge has not been resolved in court.
Murder charge and criminal history
Dahseir Edward Jefferson appeared in court on July 29, 2026, in connection with the murder charge. He is being held on a $650,000 bond. Court proceedings will determine how the allegations move forward.
State records show that Jefferson previously served time in an Arizona prison for aggravated assault. He was sentenced to five years in 2021 and released in October 2024. Records also show an earlier burglary conviction. The prior convictions are part of the public record, but they do not establish the facts of the current case.
Family remembers Gehrke’s life
Gehrke’s family said the injuries left her unrecognizable and described her as someone who worked throughout her life to support her relatives. Her grandson, Frankie Zills, said her dedication to her family was among the qualities people would remember most.
“She’s an old lady that literally worked her whole life to support her family, and that’s the most memorable thing that anybody could do,” Frankie Zills said.
Relatives also said Gehrke had beaten cancer twice and was close to retiring. They described her as a source of support and compassion who routinely placed others before herself.
“Susan was a beacon of light to everyone who knew her,” the family said.
Investigation and court proceedings
Detectives from the department’s Robbery Assault Unit and Homicide Unit are continuing to investigate the attack. Their work includes reviewing the reported confrontation, the injuries suffered by both victims and the events leading to Gehrke’s death.
The investigation will proceed alongside the criminal case against Jefferson. Authorities have not released additional details about the unidentified male victim or disclosed a possible motive. Further court action is expected as prosecutors and investigators review the evidence.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Susan Gehrke died four days after the July 24 attack. |
| 2 | Dahseir Edward Jefferson faces a second-degree murder charge. |
| 3 | Jefferson is held on a $650,000 bond. |
| 4 | Police said another man was seriously injured in the alleged confrontation. |
Summary
The death of Susan Gehrke has led to a second-degree murder charge against Dahseir Edward Jefferson. Police say the alleged attack began during a confrontation at a Tucson apartment complex and injured two people. Gehrke’s family is remembering her as a cancer survivor, longtime worker and devoted grandmother. Detectives continue investigating while the criminal case proceeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Susan Gehrke?
Susan Gehrke was a 61-year-old Tucson grandmother who, according to her family, survived cancer twice and was preparing to retire.
What charge does Dahseir Edward Jefferson face?
Dahseir Edward Jefferson faces a second-degree murder charge. He was initially booked on two aggravated assault counts before Gehrke’s death led police to amend the charges.
When and where did the alleged attack occur?
The alleged attack occurred at approximately 10 p.m. on July 24, 2026, at an apartment complex at 1201 N. Alvernon Way in Tucson.
What is the status of the investigation?
The Robbery Assault Unit and Homicide Unit are continuing to investigate. Jefferson remains in custody on a $650,000 bond, and the allegations will be addressed through the court process.
