Shrewsbury, August 30, 2025
News Summary
A 56-year-old father, Kevin Doherty, was fatally shot in Shrewsbury after dropping his child at school. The suspect, 26-year-old Snehal Srivastava, faces serious charges following the confrontation. This tragic incident has raised concerns in the local community and highlights issues regarding safety near schools.
Shrewsbury
Man charged with murder after fatal shooting near elementary school
Kevin Doherty, a 56-year-old father, was shot and killed Thursday morning in Shrewsbury after dropping his 6-year-old child at Calvin Coolidge Elementary School. Authorities have arrested and charged 26-year-old Snehal Srivastava with armed assault with intent to murder and carrying a firearm without a license. Doherty was transported to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester with multiple gunshot wounds and later died.
Key details of the incident
The encounter began shortly after a school drop-off when Doherty encountered Srivastava near Jordan Pond, where Srivastava was reportedly spray-painting graffiti. Doherty took a photograph of the man painting, an action that led to a confrontation. During the altercation, Doherty placed a 911 call just before 9 a.m. to report the incident; gunshots were heard over the call. Responding officers found Doherty suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Witnesses at the scene reported seeing Srivastava produce a handgun and fire multiple rounds before fleeing. A multi-agency search followed, involving law enforcement units from Shrewsbury, Auburn, Boylston, Grafton, Northborough, Westborough and the Massachusetts State Police. Drone support and patrols were used during the manhunt. A lockdown was put in place in the nearby neighborhood, including at Calvin Coolidge Elementary School, while officers searched for the suspect.
Arrest, property findings and charges
Srivastava was located at his residence on Edgewater Avenue after several hours and surrendered following negotiations with a SWAT team. Officers reported finding the house at 29 Edgewater Ave. covered with spray-painted phrases, including references to Ganga Gardens, Free Palestine and BLM. Investigators recovered evidence at the scene and from the victim’s cellphone, including photos showing Srivastava spray-painting.
Srivastava faces charges that include armed assault with intent to murder and carrying a firearm without a license. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. Prosecutors have indicated additional charges may be considered pending the results of Doherty’s autopsy. A dangerousness hearing for Srivastava is scheduled for September 12.
Suspect history and community response
Law enforcement records indicate Srivastava had prior legal trouble, with an extensive history of incidents dating back to 2015. One documented incident in 2022 involved a machete. Neighbors described disturbing and unusual behavior in the period before the shooting but said they did not anticipate a violent act. Local residents and school officials expressed grief and concern for the victim’s family and for community safety following the shooting.
Investigation status and next steps
Investigators continue to process the scene, examine recovered evidence, and review digital material from the victim’s phone. Officials have signaled that additional charges could follow depending on autopsy findings and continuing investigation. The multi-jurisdictional law enforcement effort remains involved in related investigative tasks, and the case will proceed through the criminal justice system with scheduled pretrial hearings.
Background
The shooting occurred in a residential area near Jordan Pond, a neighborhood where graffiti and complaints about unusual behavior had been reported by neighbors before the incident. The immediate impact on the community included a temporary school lockdown and an extensive police presence while officers secured the scene and searched for the suspect. The charging decision and the scheduling of a dangerousness hearing reflect standard court procedures in serious violent cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was killed in the shooting?
The victim was 56-year-old Kevin Doherty, a father who had just dropped his 6-year-old child at Calvin Coolidge Elementary School.
Who has been arrested and what charges do they face?
Authorities arrested 26-year-old Snehal Srivastava. He has been charged with armed assault with intent to murder and carrying a firearm without a license. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf, and prosecutors may file additional charges pending an autopsy.
When and where did the shooting occur?
The shooting occurred Thursday morning near Jordan Pond in Shrewsbury, shortly after a school drop-off at Calvin Coolidge Elementary School.
Was the school affected?
Yes. A temporary lockdown was implemented at the nearby elementary school and in surrounding areas while law enforcement conducted a search for the suspect.
What evidence have investigators recovered?
Investigators recovered physical evidence at the scene and photos from the victim’s cellphone that showed the suspect spray-painting prior to the confrontation.
Are more charges expected?
Prosecutors have indicated additional charges may be considered after the results of the victim’s autopsy and as the investigation continues.
When is the next court date?
A dangerousness hearing for the suspect is scheduled for September 12.
Quick reference table
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Kevin Doherty, 56 |
| Suspect | Snehal Srivastava, 26 |
| Location | Near Jordan Pond, Shrewsbury; close to Calvin Coolidge Elementary School |
| Time | Thursday morning; 911 call just before 9 a.m. |
| Charges | Armed assault with intent to murder; carrying a firearm without a license (additional charges possible) |
| Hospital | UMass Memorial Medical Center, Worcester |
| Next court date | Dangerousness hearing on September 12 |
| How to provide tips | Contact local law enforcement if you have relevant information about the case |
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Additional Resources
- MassLive: Father killed in Shrewsbury shooting identified by authorities
- Google Search: Shrewsbury shooting
- WCVB: Shrewsbury shooting confrontation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Shrewsbury shooting
- Boston 25 News: Father shot to death in Shrewsbury
- Google News: Shrewsbury shooting updates
- CBS News: Shrewsbury shooting and Westboro machete attack
- Telegram: Shrewsbury police scouring for evidence
- Shrewsbury Post: Kevin Doherty identified as victim
- Google Scholar: Shrewsbury shooting
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