A 61-year-old Tucson grandmother who survived cancer twice died from injuries sustained in an alleged attack at an apartment complex. Police identified Dahseir Edward Jefferson, 27, as the suspect and later amended his charges to second-degree murder after Susan Gehrke died. Jefferson is being held on a $650,000 bond as investigators continue examining the July 24 incident.
Authorities said Gehrke and a man were attacked after Jefferson allegedly approached them on an apartment patio. The male victim also suffered serious injuries, while Jefferson left before officers arrived.
| Article Subheadings | |
|---|---|
| 1) | Attack and emergency response |
| 2) | Investigation and arrest |
| 3) | Murder charge and criminal history |
| 4) | Family remembers Gehrke |
| 5) | Continuing investigation |
Attack and emergency response
Tucson police officers and firefighters responded at approximately 10 p.m. on July 24 to reports of a fight at the apartment complex at 1201 N. Alvernon Way in Tucson. Officers found Gehrke and a man suffering from injuries. Gehrke was transported to a hospital in life-threatening condition, while the other injured person was also treated for serious injuries.
According to police, the two victims had been on an apartment patio when Jefferson allegedly approached, became confrontational and assaulted both of them. Investigators said the male victim was punched first and sustained serious injuries after falling to the ground. The attacker fled before officers arrived.
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.
Jefferson was arrested four days after the attack and initially booked on two counts of aggravated assault. Police said the case changed after Gehrke died from her injuries four days after the incident. The investigation has involved detectives from the department’s Robbery Assault Unit and Homicide Unit.
Murder charge and criminal history
Jefferson appeared in court on July 29, where he faced a second-degree murder charge. He remains in custody on a $650,000 bond. The allegations have not been resolved in court, and the charge remains subject to the legal process.
State records show 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.
Family remembers Gehrke
Gehrke’s family described her as a lifelong worker who devoted herself to supporting her relatives. They said she had survived cancer twice and was close to retiring, a milestone she had worked toward and looked forward to enjoying.
“Susan was a beacon of light to everyone who knew her. She spent her entire life working tirelessly, pouring her heart into her family, and putting others before herself.”
Her grandson, Frankie Zills, said the injuries left her “unrecognizable” and remembered her as someone who worked her whole life to support her family. The family said it was struggling with pain and shock after her death.
Continuing investigation
Police said detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the confrontation, the injuries to both victims and the events leading to Gehrke’s death. The case began as an aggravated assault investigation and was amended to include second-degree murder after her condition became fatal.
Authorities have not announced additional charges in the case. Jefferson’s detention, the bond amount and the murder allegation will proceed through the court system as investigators complete their work.
| 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 say the suspect had prior aggravated assault and burglary convictions. |
Summary
Susan Gehrke died after an alleged assault at a Tucson apartment complex, prompting police to amend the suspect’s charges from aggravated assault to second-degree murder. Jefferson was arrested four days after the incident and remains held on a $650,000 bond. The investigation continues while Gehrke’s family mourns a woman they described as a devoted worker, cancer survivor and source of support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was killed in the Tucson apartment attack?
Susan Gehrke, 61, died from injuries sustained in the alleged July 24 attack.
Who was arrested?
Dahseir Edward Jefferson, 27, was arrested on July 28 near Speedway Boulevard and Country Club Road.
What charges does Jefferson face?
He faces a second-degree murder charge and is being held on a $650,000 bond.
