A 57-year-old father was shot and killed in Massachusetts after an altercation with a man who identifies as transgender, according to law enforcement. Kevin Doherty, a Shrewsbury resident, was fatally wounded on Thursday following a confrontation with Snehal Srivastava, a 26-year-old individual who now uses the name “Sasha” and claims to be a woman.
The incident occurred shortly after Doherty dropped off his six-year-old son at school. Surveillance footage and witness accounts indicate that Srivastava was vandalizing a bridge with graffiti when the two men clashed. Court documents reveal that Doherty had captured images of Srivastava during the confrontation, which included an argument over a scooter.
Doherty called 911 to report the incident but was shot multiple times while on the line. Police responded to the scene and found Doherty with severe gunshot wounds. He later died at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. Investigators noted that Doherty’s phone contained photos taken moments before the call, including one of Srivastava spray-painting a surface near Jordan Pond.
Srivastava, who has a history of violent behavior and prior arrests, faces charges of armed assault with intent to murder and illegal gun possession. Authorities stated he was held without bail following his arraignment in Westboro District Court. Neighbors had previously reported threats from Srivastava, whose residence was marked with pro-Palestinian and Black Lives Matter graffiti.
A former victim of Srivastava’s violence described the case as a failure of the justice system, stating the suspect should never have been released. Doherty’s death has sparked public outcry over the handling of individuals with violent records.