A Florida sheriff’s deputy was killed in a shocking act of violence last Friday during what was supposed to be a straightforward eviction. Deputy Terri Mashkow of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office died after being shot while attempting to remove a man from a Vero Beach home at his mother’s request. A second deputy was shot and wounded but is on the path to recovery. The suspect, identified as Michael Halberstam, was also shot during the confrontation and later died from his injuries.
The sequence of events, as described by officials, began when Deputy Mashkow, another deputy, and a locksmith arrived at the residence to serve Halberstam with an eviction notice. Without warning, Halberstam allegedly produced a gun and began firing. The deputies immediately returned fire. Despite their actions, Deputy Mashkow was fatally wounded. The second deputy was hit in the shoulder, and the suspect was struck multiple times. The locksmith escaped physical injury. The rapid escalation left one officer dead and a community searching for answers.
Sheriff Eric Flowers addressed the public in an emotional news conference, calling the timing—just days before Thanksgiving—particularly cruel. He spoke of Deputy Mashkow’s dedication and the inherent risks of police work, even during routine calls. To honor her sacrifice, the sheriff’s office posthumously promoted her to sergeant, a testament to her service. The agency, now draped in mourning, is receiving an outpouring of support from citizens and fellow law enforcement organizations.
Investigators are diligently working to understand the factors that led to the shooting. Halberstam had a known criminal record, and authorities are examining disturbing social media content he posted prior to the incident. The motive behind the mother’s eviction request remains a key point of the ongoing investigation. Multiple agencies are involved in piecing together the final moments and the history that precipitated this tragedy.
Deputy Mashkow is remembered by her family as an extraordinary woman. Her cousin, Joan Bennett, shared that Mashkow was a devoted mother and a compassionate officer who often helped people in the community even when she was off duty. The family is grappling with the sudden void left by her death, choosing to focus on the legacy of service and love she leaves behind. This devastating event highlights the ever-present peril law enforcement officers accept as part of their duty to protect and serve.
