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.
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.