A tragic incident took place in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, where a devoted father was killed after confronting a vandal. Kevin Doherty, a 56-year-old man with three children, was preparing to marry his fiancée later this month when he was fatally shot on August 28.
The altercation began when Doherty noticed a man, identified as 26-year-old Snehal Srivastava, spray-painting graffiti on a bridge. Concerned about the act of vandalism, Doherty took photos and confronted Srivastava, leading to a heated argument. Reports indicate that the situation escalated into a physical confrontation shortly before 9 a.m.
At the time of the incident, Doherty was returning home after dropping off his 6-year-old son at school. During the struggle, he called 911. Dispatchers heard multiple gunshots, followed by Doherty informing them he had been shot. Tragically, the call ended abruptly, and Doherty was rushed to UMass Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Srivastava had no legal permits for carrying a firearm and was initially charged with armed assault with intent to murder, along with two counts of carrying a firearm without a license. Prosecutors later upgraded the charges to murder, and he is currently held without bail.
The following day, law enforcement, utilizing drones, located Srivastava hiding in a home near Edgewater Avenue. Upon entering the residence, which was marked with graffiti containing slogans like “Free Palestine” and “BLM,” SWAT teams arrested him.
Doherty’s fiancée, Sarah Schofield, expressed her heartfelt grief in a statement, saying that no words could adequately convey the overwhelming pain of losing him. She emphasized that the trauma of having to switch from wedding plans to funeral arrangements was unimaginable. Schofield described Doherty as a kind and funny individual who always greeted the day with a smile.
Friends and family remembered him fondly, noting his love for music, golf, and hockey. Mourners recently gathered to pay their respects, some even creating chalk art in his honor.
In light of this terrible event, Shrewsbury Police Chief Kevin Anderson condemned the act of violence as senseless, extending condolences to Doherty’s loved ones. He acknowledged the pain experienced by the family and the wider community, emphasizing the devastating impact of such sudden loss.
There is growing concern about the implications of this case, particularly regarding Srivastava’s criminal history. Reports reveal that he had previous violent arrests dating back to 2015, including a machete attack in 2022. Many in the community are questioning how someone with a history of violence was still on the streets. This pattern raises important discussions about public safety and the justice system’s effectiveness in handling dangerous individuals.
As the investigation unfolds, many are advocating for stronger measures to ensure that those with violent backgrounds are held accountable and that communities remain safe. The loss of Kevin Doherty serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of violence and the importance of standing up against crime in all its forms.
The memory of Kevin Doherty will likely resonate throughout the community as they seek to find answers in the wake of this tragedy. Support for his family is growing, as many hope that lessons can be learned from this incident to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
