Shrewsbury, September 4, 2025
News Summary
The Shrewsbury community is mourning the tragic loss of Kevin Doherty, a beloved local golfer and family man who was fatally shot after dropping his son off at school. The incident began with an altercation over graffiti, leading to his untimely death. An arrest has been made, with a manhunt for the suspect, and the local golf community is rallying to support Doherty’s family through fundraising and vigils.
Shrewsbury — Morning Ride to School Ends in Tragedy for Local Golfer and Dad
Shrewsbury woke up to grim news after a routine morning that turned into a violent end for a man many in the community knew as a regular on the links and a loving family man. Kevin Doherty, 56, was fatally shot on Thursday, August 28, shortly after dropping his 6-year-old son off at school. The incident happened near Jordan Pond, and the loss has left the town reeling.
A life loved on and off the course
For golfers, the rhythm of an early tee time is familiar: the quiet, the focus, the casual banter with friends. Doherty was described by family as someone who carried that same calm and joy off the course — a man who loved music, golf, and hockey, and who had a knack for making people laugh at social gatherings. He was set to marry his fiancée on September 20, making this shock all the more heartbreaking for those who knew him.
His obituary highlighted a giving spirit and the kind of warmth that makes clubhouse locker rooms and family gatherings feel welcoming. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home, and a funeral Mass is scheduled for Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Saint George Church.
The confrontation
Investigators say the confrontation began when Doherty noticed a man spray painting graffiti on a bridge. Police later identified that man as 26-year-old Snehal Srivastava. Doherty reportedly took photos of the suspect while the vandalism was taking place. That action led to a heated altercation between the two men, with witnesses mentioning an argument over a scooter during the exchange.
During the struggle, Doherty called 911 to report that he was being attacked. Dispatchers later heard multiple gunshots during the call and then heard that Doherty had been shot. He was taken to UMass Memorial Medical Center with several gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead. An autopsy confirmed the cause of death as five gunshot wounds, and the death was ruled a homicide.
Manhunt and arrest
Local law enforcement launched a massive search for Srivastava and issued alerts about an armed and dangerous suspect. He was later apprehended at a home on Edgewater Avenue. The property was reportedly covered in graffiti with messages including Free Palestine and Black Lives Matter. Srivastava faces charges including armed assault with intent to murder and carrying a firearm without a license, and he has been ordered held without bail.
Court records show Srivastava is known to police, with a criminal history going back to 2015. Authorities say he was allegedly involved in a 2022 incident where a man was attacked with a machete. Investigators also recovered two images on Doherty’s phone taken just before the 911 call: one showed the scooter tied to the dispute, and the other depicted Srivastava spray-painting the ground.
Community responds like a tight-knit club
The local golf community and neighbors have rallied in the days since. A fundraising event and vigil is planned for October 11 at SAC Park in Shrewsbury from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with all proceeds going to Doherty’s family. For golfers who’ve spent early mornings with him on the tee or late afternoons practicing putts, this feels like losing a regular playing partner — someone who always had a quick joke and a steady swing.
As legal proceedings move forward, Srivastava is due back in court for a dangerousness hearing on September 12. The town continues to process the loss and to look for ways to support Doherty’s family during an unimaginably painful time.
What golfers and neighbors can take away
- Be aware of surroundings during early morning drives and walks — a simple run to drop a child at school can sometimes put someone where trouble finds them.
- Capture evidence cautiously — Doherty used his phone to document the vandalism, an action that unfortunately escalated the encounter. If you record, prioritize personal safety and call authorities.
- Support the family — the golf community often rallies when a member is lost, and the planned vigil and fundraiser is one organized way to do it.
Memorial and funeral details
The family will receive visitors on Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home. A funeral Mass is set for Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Saint George Church. The community vigil and fundraiser will be on October 11 at SAC Park from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with proceeds going to the family.
FAQ
What happened in Shrewsbury?
Kevin Doherty was fatally shot on August 28 near Jordan Pond after a confrontation with a man who was spray painting graffiti. Doherty suffered multiple gunshot wounds and later died at the hospital.
Who is the suspect and what charges does he face?
The suspect, 26-year-old Snehal Srivastava, was arrested at a house on Edgewater Avenue. He faces charges of armed assault with intent to murder and carrying a firearm without a license and is being held without bail.
When are the funeral and visitation?
Visitation is Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will be held Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Saint George Church.
Is there a community event to support the family?
Yes. A fundraising event and vigil is scheduled for October 11 at SAC Park from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with proceeds to benefit Doherty’s family.
When is the suspect’s next court date?
He is due back in court for a dangerousness hearing on September 12.
Quick Reference Table
| Event | Date | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitation | Friday (following Aug 28 incident) | 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | McCarthy, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home | Open hours to pay respects |
| Funeral Mass | Saturday (following visitation) | 10:00 a.m. | Saint George Church | Ceremony for family and friends |
| Community Vigil & Fundraiser | October 11 | 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | SAC Park, Shrewsbury | All proceeds go to Doherty family |
| Dangerousness Hearing | September 12 | To be scheduled by court | Local court | Suspect held without bail |
This community is mourning a fellow player from life’s long course. For those who keep score on the fairways, this loss is personal — a reminder that the clubhouse chatter can be cut short at any moment. The town plans to support the family however it can, and the legal system will now decide the next moves in court.
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