The community of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, is reeling after the tragic death of Kevin Doherty, 57, a devoted father and longtime resident who was shot and killed Thursday morning after dropping off his young son at Coolidge School. The devastating loss has left neighbors heartbroken and sparked renewed outrage over how the legal system handled the suspect accused in the crime.

Authorities identified the alleged shooter as Snehal Srivastava, 26, a man with a long history of criminal behavior dating back to 2015. Shockingly, this is not Srivastava’s first violent encounter. In fact, he was previously accused of a 2022 machete attack on a complete stranger — an incident that now haunts survivor Nitish Sharma, who says Thursday’s tragedy could and should have been prevented.

Sharma recalls the horrifying night two years ago when Srivastava tried to run him down outside a Westboro movie theater before attacking him with a machete. “He swung at me, and I grabbed the blade. He was swinging at my face, and when he pulled back, my thumb started dangling,” Sharma said, recalling how he narrowly escaped death thanks to the intervention of strangers who called 911. Though Sharma’s physical wounds healed, the trauma remains, and hearing of Doherty’s death reopened deep emotional scars.

“It broke my heart, I was crying last night hearing what happened. This should have never happened had our legal system taken proper protocols,” Sharma said. Court documents show that after the machete assault, Srivastava underwent a mental evaluation and was deemed competent to stand trial. Yet, in a decision that now leaves many questioning the justice system, prosecutors confirmed the case was dismissed just last month.

“Had he been sent to jail last month, that innocent family would still have their father,” Sharma lamented. “That child did not deserve to lose a parent. He should have been in prison for the rest of his life.”

According to charging documents, Doherty encountered Srivastava while the suspect was spray-painting graffiti along a path near Jordan Pond. Witnesses reported an argument — possibly about a scooter — before gunfire rang out. Doherty was shot multiple times in broad daylight, just after saying goodbye to his son at school. Neighbors were stunned. “He was always just smiling and waving hi,” said local resident Suda Gurung. “It’s truly heartbreaking for this neighborhood and this family.”

Srivastava was arrested near his graffiti-covered home shortly after the shooting. In court, he attempted to shield his face from cameras. Prosecutors have charged him with armed assault with intent to murder and carrying a firearm without a license, and he is being held without bail until his next hearing on September 12.

For those who knew Kevin Doherty, the grief is immeasurable. Friends and neighbors describe him as a kind, friendly presence who loved his family deeply. His sudden death has not only left a child without a father but also raised urgent questions about public safety and accountability within the legal system.

As the Shrewsbury community mourns, survivor Nitish Sharma hopes this time justice will not fail. “That evil person should be held accountable. There’s no reason for him to be walking free ever again. He needs to be behind bars.”