By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – The woman injured in a brutal attack in Tucson last week has passed away, and the suspect has now been charged with murder.
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The Tucson Police Department confirmed 61-year-old Susan Gehrke died from her injuries following a July 24th incident.
According to a GoFundMe drive, Gehrke was nearing retirement and was set to celebrate her birthday on Aug. 3.
The suspect, 27-year-old Dahseir Edward Jefferson, was charged with second-degree murder during a court appearance late Wednesday, July 29.
“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 said that Gehrke had twice beaten cancer.
“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,” said Frankie Zills, Gehrke’s grandson.
Jefferson, who has a violent criminal history, is being held on a $650,000 total bond. He had been facing two counts of aggravated assault with temporary but substantial injury until Gehrke died.
During Jefferson’s initial court appearance late 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. The TPD said he was arrested near Speedway and Country Club four days later.
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.
“My grandma is not a person that likes being around confrontation, so she probably just wanted to get him up and go inside,” said Frankie Zills.
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Investigators said the punch was so hard that it broke part of Gehrke’s dentures, which flew out and hit the ground too.
Gehrke’s family said it was hard to see her in the hospital and that she looked “unrecognizable.”
“We had my 15-year-old son there with us, and he wanted to see her,” said Gehrke’s daughter Felicia. “She was beat so bad. We went in, I was like, he can’t come up here and see her, there’s no way.”
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.
Gehrke’s family said they’re upset Jefferson was out and able to commit the crime against their loved one in the first place.
“How many innocent people and family members have to be taken before the state figures out that you can’t rehabilitate people like this,” said Frankie Zills.
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