(Updates) End of Watch: IRCSO Deputy Terri Sweeting-Mashkow, killed in the line of duty
(November 25, 2025, Four updates below) It’s a time of mourning, heartbreak and disbelief in South Florida, when following a sudden and unexpected act of violence, 47-year-old Indian River County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Terri Sweeting-Mashkow was shot and killed Friday, November 21, 2025, while serving an eviction notice in Vero Beach. The tragedy surrounding the Deputy’s death has left her colleagues, family, and the entire community reeling.
Background: Shortly before 9 a.m. yesterday, deputies from the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office (IRCSO) responded to the 1100 block of Governor’s Way in the gated Bermuda Club/Somerset Bay area of Vero Beach to assist in a court-ordered eviction. The eviction had been initiated by a mother seeking to remove her son, Michael Halberstam, from her home.
As Sweeting-Mashkow, along with fellow deputies and a locksmith entered the residence’s entryway, Halberstam allegedly retrieved a firearm and opened fire “indiscriminately,” according to Sheriff Eric Flowers.
Deputy Sweeting-Mashkow was hit in the shooting, and fatally wounded.
Another deputy, Florentino “Tino” Arizpe, suffered a gunshot wound to the shoulder and found refuge in the home’s garage where he was later treated. The locksmith that was assisting the team was also critically injured and taken into surgery.
Law enforcement returned fire. Halberstam was struck multiple times and is in critical condition in surgery.
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According to investigators, the shooting was prompted by personal conflict due to Halberstam being evicted from his mother’s home. The mother had made seven calls to the sheriff’s office in the weeks leading up to the eviction, almost all relating to concerns about her son.
Sheriff Flowers also revealed that Halberstam had a criminal history — including a 2006 narcotics charge and a 2015 misdemeanor assault charge, both out of Virginia. Officials also said that Halberstam had recently been fired from his job at UPS and made several “negative items” about the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office on social media.
At a somber press conference, Sheriff Eric Flowers, visibly shaken, paid tribute to his longtime colleague: “I’m absolutely heartbroken. I’ve worked my entire career with Terri … Our team will feel this forever. Terri was an amazing deputy. She had a beautiful heart, and she will be missed.” ~ Fox News and WPBF
Flowers added that this is only the second line-of-duty death in the history of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office — a force that recently marked its 100-year anniversary.
Flowers vowed that her legacy will live on in the values she embodied: integrity, compassion, and courage. “She gave her life for this community,” he said. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier who said that Sweeting-Mashkow’s death was a “tragedy beyond belief,” called for a moment of silence during a separate appearance.
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Procession for Deputy Terri Sweeting-Mashkow (Video)
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Only a few hours after her passing yesterday, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office shared the horrific news on social media:
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Deputy Terri Sweeting-Mashkow, who was killed in the line of duty on November 21st, 2025 while faithfully serving our community.
Deputy Mashkow dedicated 25 years of honorable service to this agency and to the people of Indian River County. Her loss is felt deeply by every member of our agency, as well as by the community she served with pride.
We ask the public to keep Deputy Mashkow’s family, friends, and colleagues in their thoughts during this incredibly difficult time. We also extend our gratitude to the first responders, medical staff, and community partners who assisted during today’s tragic events.
As we grieve, we remain dedicated in our commitment to honor Deputy Mashkow’s legacy by continuing the work she believed in so strongly – serving with integrity, courage, and compassion.
Information regarding memorial services will be shared once arrangements are finalized.
Deputy Mashkow, we thank you for your service. You will never be forgotten.
In memory of Deputy Terri Sweeting-Mashkow,
whose dedication and sacrifice will not be forgotten
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(Update #1: 11:47 a.m.) Over the past several hours, many in the community have reached out asking how they can support the family of Deputy Terri Sweeting-Mashkow following her tragic line-of-duty passing.
We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and offers to help. Your kindness is a reflection of the impact Deputy Sweeting-Mashkow had on our community.
For those wishing to donate or provide assistance, all support will be coordinated through our Sheriff’s Office point of contact:
Jennifer Gelesky
Phone: 772-978-6316
Email: JGelesky@ircsheriff.org
Jennifer will ensure that every donation and offer of support is handled respectfully and directed appropriately.
Thank you to everyone who continues to stand with Deputy Sweeting-Mashkow’s family, friends, and colleagues. Your compassion means more than you know during this heartbreaking time.
The IRCSO will share additional information as arrangements continue to be finalized.
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(Update #2: 4:34 p.m.) Today, November 22, 2025,the suspect who shot and killed Deputy Sweeting-Mashkow (Michael Halberstam) has died from his injuries.
Deputy Sweeting-Mashkow has been posthumously promoted to Sergeant within the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office. She will be addressed as Sergeant Sweeting-Mashkow henceforth.
The Sheriff’s Office thanked the community for everyone’s “continued support during these difficult times.” Funeral service information will be provided at a later date.
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(Update #3, 11/24/2025) Deputy Florentino “Tino” Arizpe Released from Hospital
Yesterday brought a much-needed moment of relief and gratitude. Around 12:00 PM, Deputy Arizpe was released from Lawnwood Hospital and is now continuing his recovery at home surrounded by support.
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(Update #4, 11/25/2025) Funeral Information
For more on the tragic passing of Deputy Terri Sweeting-Mashkow, see the video below.
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(Sources: IRCSO, WFTV, WCJB, WPBF, WQCS, The Washington Post, Fox News)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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