# Tucson murder of Susan Gehrke

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/tucson-murder-of-susan-gehrke
> Updated: 2026-08-03T09:30:33.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

On July 24, 2026, 61‑year‑old Susan Gehrke was assaulted outside her Tucson apartment while intervening to protect a friend. The attacker, 27‑year‑old Dahseir Edward Jefferson – a repeat offender released from prison in October 2024 – struck Gehrke, causing her to fall, hit her head and suffer a severe brain hemorrhage. She was taken to hospital, underwent emergency surgery and was placed on a ventilator, but died on July 29.

Prosecutors subsequently upgraded Jefferson’s charge to second‑degree murder. The case has drawn attention to the supervision and release policies for violent recidivists, given Jefferson’s prior five‑year robbery sentence.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-03: Arizona grandmother Susan Gehrke fatally attacked by recidivist criminal

Tucson grandmother Susan Gehrke, a two‑time cancer survivor, died after being assaulted by recidivist Dahseir Edward Jefferson, who was charged with second‑degree murder.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arizona-grandmother-susan-gehrke-fatally-attacked-by-recidivist-criminal

### 2026-07-31: Arizona Grandmother Susan Gehrke Killed After Assault in Tucson

Tucson resident Susan Gehrke, a two‑time cancer survivor, died after being punched by Dahseir Edward Jefferson outside her apartment; prosecutors have charged him with second‑degree murder.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/arizona-grandmother-susan-gehrke-killed-after-assault-in-tucson

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Cite as: Tucson murder of Susan Gehrke. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/tucson-murder-of-susan-gehrke