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VERO BEACH, FL – The man accused of fatally shooting Indian River County Deputy Terri Sweeting-Mashkow last week has died, authorities confirmed over the weekend. Michael Halberstam, 37, succumbed to his injuries on Saturday at 3:41 p.m. EST.
Deputy Sweeting-Mashkow, 45, tragically lost her life on Friday while serving an eviction notice in the upscale Bermuda Club neighborhood of Vero Beach. This marks only the second line-of-duty death in the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office’s 100-year history.
According to reports, three deputies were present to serve the notice to Halberstam when he allegedly brandished a weapon and opened fire. Deputy Sweeting-Mashkow was struck, and Halberstam was wounded by return fire from the two other deputies on the scene.
In a statement released Saturday, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office announced that Deputy Sweeting-Mashkow has been posthumously promoted to sergeant. “She will be addressed as Sergeant Sweeting-Mashkow henceforth,” the statement read. The Sheriff’s Office also extended its gratitude to the community for its ongoing support during this difficult period.
Sergeant Sweeting-Mashkow was a dedicated 25-year veteran of the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.