The quiet of a Friday morning shattered in an instant as gunfire erupted inside a condominium on Governor’s Way, leaving behind a scene of chaos, heartbreak, and unanswered questions. **Deputy Terri Sweeting-
Mashkow**, a **25-year veteran** of the sheriff’s office, was killed in the line of duty during what was supposed to be a routine civil eviction. Her death marks one of the most devastating losses the agency has faced in decades, shaking both her colleagues and the community she spent her life protecting.
Deputies arrived at the residence with a court order, accompanied by a locksmith tasked with gaining lawful entry. The eviction involved **37-year-old Michael Halberstam**, whose mother had requested the court’s intervention. But the moment the door opened, the situation turned deadly. Halberstam, armed and waiting, opened fire without warning.
Deputy Sweeting-Mashkow, who was positioned in the doorway and had not even drawn her weapon, was fatally struck almost immediately. Another deputy behind her was wounded as bullets ricocheted down the hallway. The locksmith, caught between deputies and gunfire, was also injured while attempting to flee to safety.
Halberstam was ultimately struck by return fire and taken into custody with gunshot wounds. He was transported to the hospital under guard, his condition stabilized but critical. Investigators say he offered no verbal warning, no attempt at negotiation—only immediate violence.For colleagues, Sweeting-Mashkow’s death is a staggering blow.
She was widely regarded as a steady, compassionate presence, known for mentoring younger deputies and de-escalating volatile calls with patience and professionalism. Vigils began forming outside the sheriff’s office Friday night, with candles and flowers left beneath her photo.As officials work to piece together the events leading to the shooting, the community mourns a veteran deputy whose final act was one of service and duty.
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