WESTBORO, Mass. — A criminal complaint filed Friday identified 56-year-old Kevin Doherty as the father fatally shot in Shrewsbury while walking home after dropping off his 6-year-old child at school. The alleged shooter, 26-year-old Snehal Srivastava of Shrewsbury, appeared in Westboro District Court, where he was arraigned on charges of armed assault with intent to murder and carrying a firearm without a license. A plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf, and he was ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on September 12.
Court records reveal that Srivastava has a lengthy history with Shrewsbury police dating back to 2015, including a 2022 machete attack case that was ultimately dismissed. Prosecutors said Doherty called 911 around 9 a.m. Thursday to report being attacked. While still on the line, multiple gunshots were heard, followed by Doherty exclaiming, “He shot me.” He was rushed to UMass Medical Center in Worcester, where he was pronounced dead.
Witnesses reported seeing an argument between the two men near Jordan Pond, where Srivastava was allegedly spray-painting graffiti. Police said Doherty had photographed the suspect moments before being shot. Officers launched a drone and quickly located Srivastava barricaded in a nearby home. He later surrendered peacefully following negotiations with a Massachusetts State Police tactical team.
Investigators also recovered photos from Doherty’s phone showing the suspect spray-painting shortly before the attack. Graffiti tied to Crip gang references was found both at the crime scene and on Srivastava’s residence.
Doherty’s family was visibly shaken as they left court Friday, declining to speak with reporters. The investigation remains ongoing.
Leave a Reply