<P> They have a son, Theo, but shortly after Theo's birth, Andy's first son from a previous marriage, Andy Jr., is killed, causing Andy to begin drinking again . Despite her sympathy for his loss, Sylvia puts her foot down, ordering Andy out of their home until he can acknowledge his problem . </P> <P> Their devotion to each other is tested again in a storyline when Andy undergoes surgery for prostate cancer . She threatens to throw him out if he doesn't take the test for cancer, reasoning that "knowing isn't the worst thing ." Andy confesses that his greatest fear is not to be with her and baby Theo, to which she quietly replies, "Then be with us," finally convincing him to take the test . </P> <P> The character has a dramatic exit from the show . The character returns to her job after time off to raise her on - screen son, but she is killed by James Mayo in a courthouse shooting incident . Her final words to her on - screen husband Andy are "Take care of the baby ." </P>

When did sylvia costas die on nypd blue