Arizona Grandmother Susan Gehrke Killed After Assault in Tucson

Susan Gehrke, a 61‑year‑old Tucson resident who had survived cancer twice, was fatally injured on July 29 after intervening in an altercation outside her apartment complex. Prosecutors say 27‑year‑old Dahseir Edward Jefferson first assaulted Gehrke's friend and then punched Gehrke with enough force to knock out her dentures, causing her to fall and sustain a severe brain bleed. She was taken to hospital, placed on a ventilator, but died from her injuries.

Following the incident, authorities upgraded the charge against Jefferson to second‑degree murder. Gehrke's family described her as caring and compassionate, noting she had been preparing for retirement. A fundraising campaign was launched in her memory.