TUCSON, AZ — A Tucson woman who was seriously injured during an assault at an apartment complex has died, and the suspect arrested in the case now faces a murder charge, police said.
The woman was identified as 61-year-old Susan Marie Gehrke. Her family said she died July 29, just days after the attack, and described her as a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend whose life was cut short by a violent act.
According to the Tucson Police Department, officers from Operations Division Midtown and members of the Tucson Fire Department responded around 10 p.m. July 24 to 1201 North Alvernon Way after receiving reports of a fight.
Officers found an adult man and woman injured at the scene. Police said Gehrke was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries, while the suspect had already left the area.
Detectives from the Robbery Assault Unit and Crime Scene Unit investigated and learned that the two victims were on the patio of an apartment when the suspect approached, became confrontational and assaulted both victims, seriously injuring Gehrke, according to police.
On July 28, Tucson police said community engagement squad officers located and arrested the suspect near Speedway Boulevard and Country Club Road.
Police identified him as 27-year-old Dahseir Edward Jefferson.
Jefferson was initially booked into the Pima County Adult Detention Complex on two counts of aggravated assault. After police announced Gehrke's death on July 29, detectives amended the charges to include second-degree murder.
Tucson police said Jefferson is being held on a $650,000 bond.
Gehrke's family said she had survived cancer twice and was preparing for a new chapter in her life, with retirement just ahead. They said she was looking forward to spending more time with her children and grandchildren before her death.
A GoFundMe fundraiser created in Gehrke's name is raising money to help her family with funeral expenses, legal support and a memorial tribute. The family said the fundraiser will also help ease the unexpected financial burden following her death.
The fundraiser notes that Gehrke's 62nd birthday was approaching on Aug. 3, and that her family had planned to celebrate the milestone rather than prepare for her funeral.
"She was a beacon of light to everyone who knew her," the family wrote in the fundraiser.
The Tucson Police Department said the investigation remains active and ongoing. Additional information may be released as it becomes available.
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact Tucson police or 88-CRIME to remain anonymous.
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