By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Authorities confirmed the woman injured in a brutal attack in Tucson last week has died.
Read more Two-vehicle crash causes road closure in Pima County
The Tucson Police Department said the victim died from her injuries and that the suspect, 27-year-old Dahseir Edward Jefferson, will likely face homicide charges.
Family members identified the victim as 61-year-old Susan Gehrke. According to a GoFundMe drive, Gehrke was nearing retirement and her birthday was Aug. 3.
“Susan was a beacon of light to everyone who knew her,” Angelina Zills said in a post. “She spent her entire life working tirelessly, pouring her heart into her family, and putting others before herself. She was just on the brink of retiring—a milestone she had worked so hard for and was so excited to finally enjoy.”
Zills also said that Gehrke had twice beaten cancer.
Jefferson, who has a violent criminal history, is being held on a $650,000 bond after being charged with two counts of aggravated assault with temporary but substantial injury.
During Jefferson’s initial court appearance on Tuesday, July 28, the state had said one of the victims in the attack was not expected to make it.
According to the interim complaint, Jefferson attacked two people at an apartment complex near North Alvernon Way and Speedway on July 24.
Jefferson allegedly punched a man first, causing him to fall and hit his head. The man suffered a laceration under his left eye, a large contusion to his head, and scrapes to his back and knee. He was transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
Jefferson then allegedly punched Gehrke, causing her to fall and hit her head. She was knocked unconscious and suffered a brain bleed. She was taken to the hospital, but did not survive.
Read more Convicted Tucson child molester gets nearly 300 years in prison
Investigators said the punch was so hard that it broke part of Gehrke’s dentures, which flew out and hit the ground too.
VIOLENT CRIMINAL HISTORY
In 2019, Jefferson was found guilty of third-degree burglary in that case. Two of the burglary charges were dismissed after he reached a plea deal.
In 2021, he was found guilty of aggravated assault with victim bound or restrained. A charge of aggravated assault with temporary disfigurement was dismissed.
He was sentenced to five years in prison in February 2021 and was released in October 2024.
While in prison, he was found guilty of disorderly conduct, weapon possession, tampering with a security or safety device, disobeying an order, possession of a communication device, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession or manufacture of an intoxicating substance.
=====================================================
Are you streaming 13 News?
Watch a free live stream of Tucson Now and 13 News at TucsonNow.Live.
Be sure to download the free Tucson Now app which you can find on Apple and Google.
If you are using a desktop computer, you can use your mobile device to scan the QR code below.
Read more 11-year-old found restrained with zip ties in sealed bathroom, authorities say
You can submit your breaking news or weather images here.