This day, however, would be one of the deadliest in the county’s recent history.
Accompanying the deputies was a licensed locksmith, a standard precaution to manage locks and ensure the eviction could be executed safely under Florida law.
When the team approached Halberstam’s residence and entered the entryway, the situation escalated in a horrifying instant.
According to law‑enforcement reports, Halberstam allegedly pulled a firearm and opened fire without warning.
The initial burst of bullets instantly shattered the calm morning, turning what should have been a paper‑heavy administrative task into a scene of chaos and tragedy.
In the ensuing gunfire, 47‑year-old Deputy Terri Sweeting‑Mashkow — a 25‑year veteran of the sheriff’s office — was struck and fatally wounded. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Another deputy sustained a shoulder injury but survived, while the locksmith was critically injured and later succumbed to his wounds.
Halberstam was shot by responding deputies and later died in the hospital.
Deputy Sweeting‑Mashkow’s death sent shockwaves through Indian River County.
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