Crime
Ava Dorgan Describes Father as “Mentally Ill” Following Fatal Shooting at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket
PAWTUCKET, R.I. — The daughter of the man accused of carrying out a deadly shooting at a Pawtucket ice rink spoke publicly Monday evening, describing her father as “mentally ill” following the attack that left two people dead and three others critically injured.
Authorities identified the suspect as Robert K. Dorgan, 56, who also went by the name Roberta Esposito. Police allege that Dorgan opened fire during a high school boys’ hockey game at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena before dying from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Speaking outside Pawtucket police headquarters, Ava Dorgan identified the suspect as her father.
“My father was the shooter. He shot my family, and he’s dead now,” she told reporters. She characterized him as “very sick,” attributing the violence to long-standing mental health struggles.
According to Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, the shooting occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. during a Senior Night matchup between Saint Raphael Academy and an opposing high school hockey team.
Police said the attack stemmed from a family dispute. One victim died at the scene, and a second victim later died at a local hospital. Three additional individuals remain in critical condition.
None of the players on the ice were physically harmed, though the gunfire caused panic throughout the arena.
Livestream footage captured the sound of multiple gunshots erupting from the stands, prompting players to duck for cover and spectators to flee. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as families ran toward exits and nearby businesses to escape the violence.
Chief Goncalves said a bystander intervened and attempted to subdue the gunman, an action she credited with potentially preventing further casualties. Officers arrived within approximately 90 seconds of receiving the initial report of shots fired.
Investigators have since interviewed more than 100 witnesses and are requesting that anyone with additional video footage come forward.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is assisting local authorities in the ongoing investigation.
Court records reviewed following the shooting indicate that Dorgan had a documented history of family conflicts, some of which involved disputes related to gender identity.
In early 2020, Dorgan reported to the North Providence Police Department that he had undergone gender reassignment surgery and alleged that his father-in-law wanted him removed from a shared residence as a result.
According to court documents, Dorgan claimed he had been threatened if he did not move out. Charges were filed at the time but were later dismissed.
Additional records show that Dorgan previously accused his mother of assault and disorderly conduct in a separate dispute; that case was also eventually dismissed.
Dorgan’s former spouse, Rhonda, referenced gender reassignment surgery and personality traits in an initial divorce filing in 2020 before amending the petition to cite “irreconcilable differences.”
The divorce was finalized in June 2021.
Authorities have not formally released the names of the victims, though multiple reports indicate that Dorgan’s ex-wife is believed to be among those killed.
Law enforcement officials are also examining social media posts believed to be associated with Dorgan. Some accounts reportedly contained alarming or aggressive language in the days leading up to the shooting. Authorities have not confirmed the authenticity of those accounts or whether they are directly connected to a motive.
As of Tuesday morning, investigators had not publicly identified a definitive motive for the attack beyond describing it as stemming from a family dispute.
Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien said the tragedy disrupted what was intended to be a celebratory event.
“What should have been a joyful occasion, with dozens of families, students and supporters gathered to celebrate Senior Night, was instead marked by violence and fear,” Grebien said.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee expressed condolences and urged residents in need of support to contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
“Our state is grieving again,” McKee said. “As governor, a parent and a former coach, my heart breaks for the victims, families, students and everyone impacted by the devastating shooting at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket.”
State officials said additional mental health resources will be made available to students and families affected by the tragedy.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active and that further details will be released as they are confirmed.
PAWTUCKET, R.I. — Authorities and family members have identified the victims killed in Monday’s tragic shooting at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena as Rhonda Dorgan and her son, Aidan Dorgan.
The shooting occurred during a high school “Senior Night” hockey game and left two people dead and three others critically injured.
Police said the suspect, Robert K. Dorgan, 56, died at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound following the attack, which authorities have described as stemming from a family dispute.
In a statement shared by relatives, the Dorgan family described the profound loss they are now facing.
“Our family has been forever changed by the tragic events at Lynch Arena, where we lost our beloved brother Aidan and their mother Rhonda, who was also my stepmother,” the statement read.
In addition to the deaths of Rhonda and Aidan, two grandparents remain hospitalized in critical condition and are fighting for their lives, according to family members.
Ava Dorgan, a nursing student, and Colin Dorgan, a 17-year-old high school senior, are now facing the future without their mother and older brother.
Family members described the emotional toll as overwhelming, particularly given their young ages.
“The weight of this loss is something no one should ever have to bear,” the family said. “Despite the pain, Ava and Colin are determined to continue their education and build lives that honor the memory of those we have lost.”
Following the shooting, Ava Dorgan spoke briefly with reporters outside Pawtucket police headquarters, confirming that the gunman was her father.
“My father was the shooter. He shot my family, and he’s dead now,” she said. She described him as “mentally ill” and “very sick,” attributing the violence to long-standing mental health struggles.
Police Chief Tina Goncalves confirmed that the suspect also went by the name Roberta Esposito and stated that investigators are continuing to examine his background and the events leading up to the shooting.
The shooting erupted at approximately 2:30 p.m., roughly 30 minutes after the Senior Night game began.
The matchup featured a cooperative team comprised of Coventry and Johnston players competing against a co-op team including students from St. Raphael Academy, Providence Country Day School, North Providence, and North Smithfield.
Livestream footage captured multiple gunshots ringing out from the stands, sending players and spectators scrambling for safety.
Witnesses described a scene of panic as families fled the arena and sought shelter nearby.
Chief Goncalves said officers arrived within approximately 90 seconds of receiving the initial report of gunfire.
A bystander intervened during the incident and attempted to subdue the shooter, actions the chief credited with preventing further loss of life.
None of the players on the ice were physically injured, though many witnessed the violence firsthand.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is assisting local authorities in the ongoing investigation. Police have interviewed more than 100 witnesses and are asking anyone with additional video footage to come forward.
Court records indicate that Robert Dorgan had a history of family conflicts, some involving disputes related to gender identity.
In 2020, he reported to the North Providence Police Department that he had undergone gender reassignment surgery and alleged conflicts with extended family members following that decision.
Dorgan’s divorce from Rhonda Dorgan was finalized in June 2021.
Initial divorce filings referenced gender reassignment surgery and personality traits before being amended to cite irreconcilable differences.
Authorities have not publicly identified a definitive motive beyond describing the shooting as the result of a family dispute.
Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien called the incident devastating for the community.
“What should have been a joyful occasion, with dozens of families, students and supporters gathered to celebrate Senior Night, was instead marked by violence and fear,” Grebien said. “Pawtucket is a strong and resilient community, but tonight we are a city in mourning.”
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee also expressed condolences and encouraged anyone struggling in the aftermath to contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. State officials said additional mental health resources will be made available to students and families affected by the tragedy.
As the investigation continues, the Dorgan family says they are focusing on supporting one another and honoring the memory of Rhonda and Aidan.
“Our hearts are broken,” the family said, “but we will carry their love with us every day.”