Tragic Shooting in Shrewsbury: Father of Three Gunned Down Over Graffiti Confrontation
A man set to marry later this month was tragically shot to death after he confronted someone he witnessed spray-painting graffiti on a bridge in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, as reported by local authorities.
Kevin Doherty, aged 56, documented the actions of 26-year-old Snehal Srivastava, allegedly vandalizing the area. The two reportedly engaged in a heated argument shortly before 9 a.m. on August 28, as outlined in court documents.
The situation escalated into a physical confrontation, according to police accounts. Doherty had just dropped off his 6-year-old son at school and was on his way home when he called 911 during the scuffle.
Dispatchers reported hearing several gunshots, followed by Doherty informing them he had been shot before the call ended, police stated. He was quickly transported to UMass Medical Center but succumbed to his injuries.
Srivastava, who lacked a permit to carry a firearm, faced charges of armed assault with intent to murder and two counts of illegal firearm possession during his arraignment. Later, prosecutors elevated the charges to murder, and he is currently detained without bail.
Shrewsbury Police, with assistance from Massachusetts State Police, utilized drone technology on the following day to locate Srivastava, who was hiding at a nearby residence on Edgewater Avenue.
SWAT team members, accompanied by a K-9, entered a property marked by graffiti with messages such as "Ganga Gardens," "Free Palestine," "Free Congo," "BLM," and "GLM," according to eyewitness reports.
Kevin Doherty’s fiancée, Sarah Schofield, expressed profound sorrow over his death in a public statement.
“The saying holds true; words fail to capture the depth of pain and grief we are feeling,” she said.
“No one should have to replace wedding plans with funeral arrangements. This loss has created wounds so deep that healing feels impossible.”
She further described him as a warm and humorous individual who started each day with a smile.
Doherty’s obituary highlighted his passion for music, golfing, and hockey.
His funeral mass took place on Saturday.
In the wake of the shooting, Shrewsbury Police Chief Kevin Anderson called the incident a "senseless act of violence" and extended condolences to Doherty’s family.
“Our hearts go out to his loved ones during this extraordinarily tough time,” Anderson stated. “While words may not alleviate their suffering, know that our entire department is here with the family and the community in grief.”
Srivastava has a prior record of violent offenses dating back to 2015. This includes a troubling incident in a Regal Cinema parking lot in 2022, where he allegedly attacked a man with a machete.
That case was dismissed in July due to "failure to prosecute," according to reports.
Victim Nitish Sharma recounted his disturbing experience, saying, “He began circling my car, making seven laps. I had no idea who he was. Upon stepping out, he attempted to run me over. He swung at me, and I managed to grab the blade while he was swinging at my face, telling him I didn’t know him.”
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