The community of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, came together on Saturday to host a vigil and fundraiser to support the family of Kevin Doherty, a father who was shot and killed back in August.

Doherty's fiancée, Sarah Schofield, spoke for the first time publicly at the vigil. The event was held at the venue where the couple was meant to be married on September 20, according to their wedding website. 

"A date that will always carry both sadness and love because it reminds me of the beautiful future we were building together," Schofield said.

She thanked the community for their help in raising money and providing her family with cards, meals, and love over the last seven weeks. 

"Love truly lives in this town. Also, some pretty good cooks in this town," Schofield laughed. "Our world has changed forever. The town of Shrewsbury has shown us what true compassion and community look like. Your support has been a light in our darkest days, and I will never forget it."

Remembering Kevin Doherty

The vigil was packed with residents, ready to honor Doherty's memory. Countless businesses and people in the community donated raffle and silent auction prizes for the event, which also had live music and food trucks. 

"Kevin loved this town. And I was looking forward to making so many more happy memories here. Standing here tonight, I can see that the feeling was mutual," Schofield said, holding back tears.

She asked that residents in the town remember her fiancée for "his humor, his warmth, his music, and the way he made people feel seen and loved."

Schofield said that she was grateful that she and her children were able to throw out the first pitch at a Worcester Red Sox game in Doherty's memory.

"Kevin loved sports. And that moment captured so much of who he was," she told the crowd. "Kevin was one of a kind."

She ended her speech by thanking the town once more for "helping us carry Kevin's light forward."

All the proceeds from the vigil went towards the Doherty Family Trust. The event was organized by Andrea Castinetti, a neighbor of the family.

"I really just want to ease the burden. Take the pressure off of that end and she can focus on healing and taking care of her kids," said Castinetti. 

Shrewsbury father killed in shooting

Doherty, 57, was walking home after dropping his 6-year-old son off at school in August when police said he saw Snehal Srivastava spray painting graffiti at Jordan Pond. The two men allegedly got into an argument, and while Doherty was on the phone with 911, he told police, "he shot me." Doherty was taken to UMass Memorial Medical Center, where he later died.

Srivastava was later arrested after heavily armed police swarmed the neighborhood. He has been charged with armed assault with intent to murder, carrying a gun without a license, and other charges. He has hidden his face during both of his court hearings.

"Kevin was kind, he was funny, he was patient, he warmed every room he walked into," said Schofield, who spoke to WBZ-TV over the phone. "He believed to have good friends he had to be one and he really was."  

Doherty leaves behind three children.