Punch ends life of 61-year-old cancer survivor

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Summary: Susan Marie Gehrke, 61, of Tucson, Arizona, died July 29 after a July 24 assault. Suspect Dahseir Edward Jefferson, 27, faces second-degree murder charges and is held on $650,000 bond following his arrest.

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Tucson, Ariz. — Police have charged a 27-year-old man with second-degree murder after a 61-year-old woman died from injuries suffered in a July 24 assault at a midtown apartment complex.

Susan Marie Gehrke was sitting on a patio with a male companion around 10 p.m. when Dahseir Edward Jefferson approached and turned confrontational, according to the Tucson Police Department. Jefferson allegedly punched the man first, knocking him down and causing head and facial injuries that left him in critical condition. He then struck Gehrke, sending her to the ground. The blow broke part of her dentures and left her unconscious with a brain bleed.

Emergency crews rushed Gehrke to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. She died five days later, on July 29. Jefferson, who left the scene, was located and arrested July 28. He initially faced two counts of aggravated assault. After Gehrke’s death, authorities added the second-degree murder charge. He is being held at the Pima County Adult Detention Complex on a $650,000 bond.

Family members described Gehrke as someone who had overcome cancer twice and was nearing retirement. Her 62nd birthday would have fallen on Aug. 3. Her grandson later noted that she had worked her whole life to support her family.

Detectives from the Robbery Assault and Homicide units continue to investigate the case in Arizona. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Tucson Police Department or call 88-CRIME to remain anonymous.

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Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Sources/related links:

KVOA
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Arizona Daily Star

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