SHREWSBURY — Sarah Schofield, the fiancée of Kevin Doherty, released a public statement honoring him and thanking the community for its support after he was fatally shot on Aug. 28 near Jordan Pond.
The statement, issued by the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office and provided to News Link Live, notes that Schofield and Doherty were set to be married on Sept. 20. It reads in part: “No one should ever endure the trauma of canceling wedding arrangements only to make funeral ones…He was the love of my life.”
Read Sarah Schofield’s full statement (verbatim letter) below:
PUBLIC STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
From: Sarah Schofield, fiancé of Kevin Doherty
My name is Sarah Schofield. Kevin Doherty was my fiancé and on August 28th, he was shot and killed after walking our six-year-old son to his second day of school. The saying is true, there are no words that can fully capture the overwhelming pain and grief that we are experiencing. By now many of you know, Kevin and I were set to be married on September 20th. No one should ever endure the trauma of canceling wedding arrangements only to make funeral ones. This loss, and the fractures it created are so severe it makes healing seem impossible.
Although this tragedy has created a permanent before and after mark in our lives, what will never be difficult is remembering Kevin. He was the love of my life. He was the most amazing father to our son and his two daughters. He was a brother and son and an uncle. He loved sports and especially loved to play golf. He worked hard to provide for his family. Kevin had so many friends and he loved to talk to people. He was funny and he was kind. He truly woke up each morning with a smile on his face.
Kevin lived his life with purpose and found joy in all things. And he loved me, and Jack, Grace and Rose, so fiercely.
This statement is in part to share what a remarkable person Kevin was and to also publicly express my deepest gratitude to the community.
The police department, first responders, school system, especially Calvin Coolidge, local businesses, and residents: The immediate support and compassion you all have shown to me and my family during this time is profound. I am overwhelmed by your generosity. I feel so blessed to be raising my son in a place that comes together for one another in times of need.
To all of you, thank you for everything you are doing for me and my family. And ‘Thank you’ seems so insufficient for the amount of gratitude I feel.
As we move forward, the path ahead will be daunting but my heart feels a bit lighter when I reflect on my community.
-Sarah Schofield
The family has shared with us that they request privacy during this difficult time. They do not intend to make any statements or take any actions that could affect the ongoing case. Please refer any questions to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office.
Doherty was fatally shot on the morning of Thursday, August 28, after walking his 6-year-old son to Calvin Coolidge Elementary School.
According to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr., Doherty took a photo of the suspect while he was spray-painting, which led to a confrontation with the man, later identified as Snehal Ansh Srivastava, 26.
More: Father fatally shot in Shrewsbury identified; suspect held without bail
Doherty dialed 911 to report the incident. As he spoke with the dispatcher, gunfire erupted. According to CBS News Boston, Doherty could be heard saying, “He shot me,” before the line went silent.
According to WCVB, an autopsy at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Westfield determined that Doherty suffered five gunshot wounds and ruled his death a homicide.
Prosecutors this week charged Srivastava with murder in Doherty’s death. He had initially been held without bail on charges including armed assault with intent to murder and unlawful firearm possession; the case was later upgraded to murder, according to court filings and local outlets.
In her letter, Schofield described Doherty as a devoted partner and father who “woke up each morning with a smile on his face,” adding, “Kevin lived his life with purpose and found joy in all things.” She also offered her “deepest gratitude” to first responders, the school system, local businesses, and residents for their “immediate support and compassion,” while asking for privacy as the case proceeds.
Shrewsbury police have been familiar with Srivastava since 2015 and noted prior charges, including a 2022 Westborough case alleging a machete attack in a movie theater parking lot that was later dismissed, according to court documents obtained by Boston 25 News.
The family has requested privacy and referred media inquiries to the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office, according to the statement.
