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.
Crime
Saylor Graham, 7, Fights to Recover After Silver Rail Elementary School Shooting as Teacher Becky Drury Faces Long Recovery
BEND, Oregon — Seven-year-old Saylor Graham is recovering from life-threatening injuries after being shot at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on October 15, 2026. Meanwhile, 54-year-old teacher Becky Drury is beginning a lengthy recovery after suffering gunshot wounds to her left arm and right hand during the deadly school shooting.
The latest updates from the two families offer a glimpse of the difficult road ahead for survivors of a tragedy that claimed the lives of three children and a teacher, leaving families, classmates, and the wider Bend community grieving.
Saylor Graham, described by her family as a loving, feisty girl with a strong determination to thrive, was shot in the jaw during the shooting, according to the information shared by her family and supporters. She was airlifted from Bend for medical treatment.
Her family says the 7-year-old has already faced numerous medical challenges throughout her young life. Now, she is confronting another devastating ordeal, with her parents remaining by her side as she receives treatment and begins the recovery process.
Updates shared about Saylor’s condition have differed. An earlier account described her as being in critical condition, while a later update reported that she was in serious but stable condition. Her latest status should be confirmed with her family or an official source before publication.
For Saylor’s parents, the emotional strain is accompanied by significant financial uncertainty. Both parents are self-employed, and the demands of remaining at the hospital have sharply limited their ability to work. They must also manage medical expenses, transportation, lodging, household bills, and the needs of their other child.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has been organized to help Saylor’s family manage the financial pressures arising from her injuries and ongoing treatment.
The fundraiser describes Saylor as a daughter, sister, and niece whose determination has carried her through numerous medical challenges. It explains that the family is facing uncertainty as they remain close to her during recovery.
The appeal states that donations will help cover hospital bills, time away from work, lodging, transportation, and other urgent family expenses.
The fundraiser also asks supporters to keep Saylor and her loved ones in their thoughts and prayers, emphasizing that every contribution and act of kindness can make a difference during this difficult time.
Readers who wish to support Saylor’s recovery can find the fundraiser through the link shared by her family or the original organizer. The campaign details and donation link should be verified before being shared.
Becky Drury, 54, a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School, was also wounded in the shooting. She suffered gunshot injuries to her left arm and right hand and has undergone surgery.
Her husband, Will, shared a hopeful update, saying the operation went well. However, the injuries to her left arm were extensive, and she is expected to require additional procedures and a prolonged recovery.
Despite the difficult road ahead, her husband’s message offered a moment of relief amid the grief surrounding the shooting.
“The good news is she will be ok and we all get to keep that magnificent woman we love so much in our lives,” he said.
His words reflect the gratitude of a family facing a frightening and uncertain recovery while knowing that Becky survived.
The shooting at Silver Rail Elementary School left three children and one teacher dead, according to the information provided in reports about the incident.
Five-year-old Rhoam Summer has been publicly identified among the children killed. Megan Lambert, 25, a teacher also known as “Coach Megan,” was identified as the adult victim. Two other children, ages 8 and 11, were also killed.
Their deaths have left four families facing an unimaginable loss. While Saylor and Becky continue their recoveries, the families of those who died are beginning a different and heartbreaking journey of grief.
The contrast between the survivors’ fight to recover and the families’ permanent loss has become one of the most painful realities of the tragedy.
For Saylor’s family, every update about her condition carries enormous significance. Her parents are navigating the uncertainty of their daughter’s recovery while trying to remain present for her and care for their family.
For Becky Drury’s loved ones, the successful surgery has brought relief, even as further treatment and rehabilitation lie ahead.
Their stories do not erase the devastating loss experienced by the families of the victims. Instead, they highlight the many ways the shooting has changed lives and the long road that survivors and loved ones must now face.
As Bend mourns the children and teacher who did not return home, the community continues to hope for Saylor’s recovery and for Becky to regain her health.
Saylor Graham and Becky Drury are among those still fighting their way forward after the Silver Rail Elementary School shooting. Their families are asking for support, compassion, and privacy as they face the difficult days ahead.