Grandma, 61, beat cancer twice only to be killed after random serial criminal punched her so hard he broke her dentures

By JOE HUTCHISON, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 13:45, 31 July 2026 | Updated: 13:45, 31 July 2026 An Arizona grandmother who beat cancer twice was killed after a brutal attack by a career criminal, court papers revealed.  Susan Gehrke, 61, died from her injuries after being punched so hard her dentures were knocked out outside her apartment complex in Tucson last Friday.  Prosecutors in the state claim Dahseir Edward Jefferson, 27, lashed out at Gehrke after Jefferson attacked a friend of hers in what authorities said was a random act. Gehrke had gone to help her unidentified friend, KVOA reported, when she was knocked unconscious by Jefferson, court papers seen by the outlet said.  Gehrke fell backwards and hit her head, she was rushed to hospital in a critical condition where she underwent emergency surgery for a brain bleed.  She was also placed on a ventilator before dying from her injuries on July 29, with Jefferson now facing a second-degree murder charge.  According to a local fundraiser, Gehrke had survived cancer twice and was planning her own retirement party when she died.  It said: 'A life filled with so much love, warmth, and resilience was stolen by a senseless act of violence.' Susan Gehrke died from her injuries after being punched so hard her dentures were knocked out outside her apartment complex in Tucson Prosecutors in the state claim Dahseir Edward Jefferson, 27, lashed out at Gehrke after Jefferson attacked a friend of hers The post continued: 'After beating cancer twice, her life was taken by a violent individual with prior criminal charges of violence.' 'Susan was a beacon of light to everyone who knew her. 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. 'She was looking forward to relaxing, spending endless time with her children and grandchildren, and enjoying the peaceful next chapter of her life.  'Tragically, that future was stolen from her and from all of us who loved her so deeply.' Her family members have since sat down with Fox8 after the horrific events of last week.  Her grandson Frankie Zills told the outlet: 'My grandma is not a person that likes being around confrontation, so she probably just wanted to get him up and go inside.' Gehrke's family also said that it was hard to see her in hospital because she looked 'unrecognizable' following the attack.  Gehrke's family are seen here speaking with Fox8 after her death earlier this week Jefferson, seen here in court video, is now facing a second-degree murder charge Her daughter Felicia said: 'We had my 15-year-old son there with us and he wanted to see her. 'She was beat so bad. We went in, I was like "He can't come up here and see here. There's no way".'  Frankie added: 'How many innocent people and family members have to be taken before the state figures out that you can't rehabilitate people like this?' According to information held by the state Department of Corrections, Jefferson was found guilty in 2021 of aggravated robbery and attempted aggravated robbery.  He was sentenced to five years behind bars that February and was released in October of 2024, Fox8 reported.  His rap sheet also involves numerous disciplinary infractions while inside, which included disorderly conduct, possession of a weapon, tampering with security or safety devices, possession of drug paraphernalia amongst others.