Veteran Florida Deputy Killed During Court Ordered Eviction, Community Reels

Indian River County authorities said veteran deputy Terri Sweeting Mashkow, 47, was killed on November 21, 2025 while deputies and a locksmith were carrying out a court ordered eviction at a residence in the Bermuda Club Somerset Bay community near Vero Beach. The sheriff described a chaotic entry when the subject, identified as 37 year old Michael Halberstam, retrieved a weapon and began firing as officers made entry. Another deputy was shot in the shoulder and a locksmith sustained critical injuries. Halberstam was also shot and taken to a hospital in critical condition.

The shooting immediately drew multiple agencies into the probe. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is leading the investigation with assistance from other state and federal partners. Florida officials including the governor's office and the FBI issued statements and condolences to the family and the law enforcement community. Local law enforcement held a press conference on November 21 outlining the basic sequence of events and identifying Mashkow's long service and role in the community.

Investigators noted that there had been prior contacts and public signals involving the suspect. Authorities reported earlier social media posts by the suspect and multiple 911 calls about him in the month preceding the eviction. Those details are likely to be central to the ongoing investigation as agencies sort through records, digital posts, and witness accounts to establish motive and timeline.

For hobbyists and true crime observers this case highlights several issues that draw sustained interest. Evictions and other civil enforcement actions can escalate into lethal encounters when individuals who are the subject of court orders are armed or have shown prior threatening behavior. The presence of a locksmith and the inclusion of deputies as part of an eviction team create a specific operational profile that investigators will examine, including how information about prior calls and online activity was shared and assessed before the action.

Community impact has been immediate and profound. Mashkow's long tenure in the sheriff's office and ties to the area were emphasized by officials, and residents have expressed grief and alarm over the violence in a residential neighborhood. The investigation will proceed with evidence collection, interviews and agency coordination. As state and federal investigators continue their work, enthusiasts and local observers will be watching records releases and official findings to better understand how the confrontation unfolded and what lessons it may hold for prevention and public safety.