Crime
Rhonda Dorgan Filed for Divorce Following Robert Dorgan’s Gender Reassignment Surgery
PAWTUCKET, R.I. — The suspect in Monday’s shooting at a Pawtucket ice rink that left two people dead and three others critically injured had a documented history of family disputes, some of which involved conflict related to gender identity, according to court records reviewed in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Authorities have identified the gunman as Robert K. Dorgan, 56, who also went by the name Roberta Esposito.
Police allege that Dorgan opened fire inside Dennis M. Lynch Arena during a high school “Senior Night” hockey game at approximately 2:30 p.m. Monday.
At least two people — described by officials as a family member and a family friend — were killed.
Three additional individuals were transported to a local hospital in critical condition.
Police said Dorgan died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene.
At a late-night news conference, Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves confirmed that Dorgan had used the name Roberta Esposito and indicated that investigators were examining the suspect’s background as part of their ongoing review.
Court documents show that Dorgan had previously reported family conflicts to law enforcement.
In early 2020, Dorgan contacted the North Providence Police Department and stated that he had recently undergone gender reassignment surgery. According to police reports cited in court records, Dorgan claimed that his father-in-law wanted him to move out of a North Providence residence because of the surgery.
Dorgan further alleged that his father-in-law threatened to have him harmed if he did not leave the home. Court records indicate the father-in-law was charged at the time with intimidation of witnesses and obstruction of the judicial system. Those charges were later dismissed by prosecutors.
Additional court filings show that Dorgan accused his mother of assault and disorderly conduct during a separate family dispute. She was charged in connection with that complaint; however, the case was ultimately dismissed.
Dorgan’s gender identity was also referenced in divorce filings submitted in 2020 by his ex-wife, Rhonda. Initial language in the petition referenced gender reassignment surgery and personality traits; however, those grounds were later amended to cite “irreconcilable differences.”
The divorce was finalized in June 2021.
Authorities have not formally released the identities of the victims, but multiple sources indicate that Dorgan’s former spouse is believed to be among those killed.
Investigators are also examining online posts and social media activity believed to be associated with Dorgan. Law enforcement officials have not confirmed the authenticity of specific accounts; however, authorities are reviewing material that reportedly included alarming or aggressive language in the days leading up to the shooting.
Officials have not publicly confirmed whether any online activity is directly connected to the motive.
Chief Goncalves said Dorgan entered the arena during the Senior Night matchup between a Coventry–Johnston cooperative team and a Blackstone Valley co-op team comprised of players from St. Raphael Academy, Providence Country Day School, North Providence, and North Smithfield.
According to authorities, Dorgan opened fire from the stands approximately 30 minutes after the game began.
Livestream video captured the sound of multiple gunshots ringing out, prompting players and spectators to flee for safety. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as families and students scrambled to exit the arena.
Police said a bystander intervened during the incident and attempted to stop the shooter. Chief Goncalves credited the individual’s actions with potentially preventing additional casualties.
Officers arrived within approximately 90 seconds of receiving the initial report of gunfire, the chief said.
None of the players on the ice were physically injured, though many witnessed the violence firsthand.
Authorities have interviewed more than 100 witnesses as part of the investigation and are asking anyone with additional video footage or information to contact law enforcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is assisting local authorities.
“We’re looking at all avenues,” Chief Goncalves said, noting that investigators are working to determine a clear motive. “It’s going to be a very busy 24 to 48 hours.”
Officials have described the shooting as stemming from a family dispute. The precise circumstances leading up to the violence remain under investigation.
Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien called the shooting a devastating incident that shattered what was meant 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 also addressed the tragedy, expressing condolences to the victims and their families and urging 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 would be made available to students and families affected by the incident.
The investigation remains active, and authorities have indicated that additional 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.”