SHREWSBURY, MA – A man accused of a fatal shooting over graffiti is now linked to a previous violent incident, according to a surviving victim. The suspect, currently facing charges for killing a father, allegedly attacked another individual with a machete in a separate altercation.
Years before the recent tragedy, the suspect allegedly assaulted a Westborough man, who now expresses sorrow for the victim’s family. “He swung at me, and I grabbed the blade,” recounted the machete attack survivor, who has since recovered from his physical injuries but remains emotionally affected by the suspect’s reappearance in the news.
The suspect, Travis Tava, was charged in 2022 for attempting to run over the machete victim with his car at a movie theater, before attacking him with the weapon. Despite being ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation and deemed fit for trial, the case was dismissed in July.
Reflecting on the recent shooting, the machete victim stated, “Had he been jailed, that family wouldn’t have suffered this loss. The child didn’t deserve to lose a father.”
Tava, 26, appeared in court with his face concealed, following accusations of shooting Kevin Doherty, who had just dropped off his son at school. Neighbors described Doherty as a friendly presence in the community, always smiling and waving.
The incident unfolded outside the suspect’s graffiti-covered home. Charging documents reveal Doherty took a photo of Tava vandalizing a path near Jordan Pond before being shot multiple times.
Authorities quickly identified Tava due to his extensive criminal history dating back to 2015. The machete victim hopes this time the suspect remains in custody, emphasizing the need for accountability and public safety.
Tava is currently held without bail pending his next hearing.