Tragedy Strikes: Officer Dead, Two Injured During Attempt to Remove Woman’s Son – What Went Wrong

In the days that followed, grief rippled through Indian River County. Mashkow, a devoted mother and dedicated deputy, was posthumously promoted and her badge retired. Colleagues described her as steady, calm, and compassionate — the kind of officer who handled volatile calls with quiet professionalism.

Neighbors shared stories of her kindness: checking on elderly residents, helping stranded drivers, volunteering at school events. She preferred staying out of the spotlight, they said, wanting only to keep people safe.

Investigators are still reconstructing the events that led to the shooting. Halberstam’s mother had sought eviction after escalating household conflicts, and court records point to a troubled past that included previous arrests and erratic behavior. Detectives are examining whether mental-health struggles or substance abuse contributed to the sudden violence.

For the sheriff’s office, the incident has forced renewed attention on the dangers of civil processes. “There’s no such thing as a simple call,” Sheriff Eric Flowers said. “Terri knew the risks, and she showed up anyway.”

Across the county, vigils were held, blue ribbons tied to mailboxes, and prayers offered for Mashkow’s family. Her teenage son spoke softly at one gathering: “May her courage keep others safe.”

In the end, Mashkow’s final act was one of service — stepping toward danger so others didn’t have to. Her legacy is quiet courage, given freely in a world that rarely pauses to see it.