Crime
Pawtucket Ice Rink Shooting Suspect Pictured, Dressed in Women’s Clothing
UPDATE: The suspected shooter has been identified by as Robert Dorgan, 56, of North Providence, who was also known as Roberta Esposito.
PAWTUCKET, R.I. — A source familiar with the situation told Channel2 NOW that the individual responsible for the shooting at the ice rink is the father of a North Providence High School senior.
The source stated they previously played hockey with one of the suspect’s sons, who was reportedly among those targeted during the incident.
According to the source, the suspect fatally shot his young daughter and opened fire on his ex-wife and another individual during his son’s Senior Night hockey game.
A tragic act of domestic violence unfolded Monday afternoon at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, where the father of a North Providence High School senior allegedly shot five members of his own family during a Senior Night hockey game.
Two victims died as a result of the shooting, and three others were critically injured before the gunman took his own life, according to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the investigation.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. during a Senior Night matchup featuring the Coventry-Johnston cooperative hockey team against the Blackstone Valley Schools team, which includes St. Raphael Academy, Providence Country Day School, and the public school districts of North Providence and North Smithfield.
The event had drawn dozens of students, parents, and community members to celebrate graduating seniors.
According to sources, the student’s mother was fatally shot at the rink. A sibling later succumbed to injuries at the hospital.
Three additional family members were transported to Rhode Island Hospital in critical condition. A spokesperson for Brown Health confirmed their status as of late Monday afternoon. Authorities have not released the names of the victims.
Video from a livestream of the game shows the moment violence erupted.
The footage captures the sound of rapid gunfire interrupting play on the ice, apparently originating from the stands.
At least 14 shots can be heard fired in quick succession, followed by one or two additional gunshots roughly 10 seconds later.
Players and spectators are seen scrambling off the ice and fleeing the seating area in panic.
The shooting prompted a massive law enforcement response. Police vehicles quickly surrounded the arena, and officers secured the scene.
Shortly afterward, numerous hockey players were seen gathered outside the facility—some still in socks after removing their skates—before being transported from the area for safety.
Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien described the shooting as a tragic and devastating 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 in a statement. He characterized the shooting as an isolated incident and expressed condolences to the victims and their families.
“Pawtucket is a strong and resilient community, but tonight we are a city in mourning,” he added. “We will stand together to support all those affected in the difficult days ahead.”
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee also issued a statement, encouraging anyone in need of mental health assistance to contact 988 and announcing that additional counseling resources would be made available to affected students and families.
“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.”
Kash Patel, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, confirmed that agents from the FBI’s Boston Division responded to Pawtucket and are assisting in the investigation. He stated that federal authorities would provide any necessary resources to state and local law enforcement.
School officials moved quickly to reassure families. Providence Country Day School Head of School Kevin Folan informed families that all PCD students, parents, and staff who attended the game were safe. Johnston school officials similarly confirmed that all of their students were accounted for.
Coventry Superintendent Don Cowart sent updates throughout the afternoon, first confirming that all district students had been accounted for and later announcing that they had been reunited with their families. He noted that mental health resources would be made available to hockey players and their families in the days ahead.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the events leading up to the violence and the suspect’s actions inside the arena. Officials have emphasized that this appears to have been a targeted domestic incident rather than a broader threat to the public.
Further details are expected to be released as the investigation progresses.
Crime
17-Year-Old Javohn Pitts Critically Injured in Accidental Shooting During FaceTime Call in Elsmere, Kentucky
A 17-year-old teenager, identified as Javohn Pitts, remains in critical condition after being shot in the head during an incident involving a handgun at a residence in Elsmere, Kentucky, on Saturday. Police say the shooting appears to have occurred while two juveniles were showing the firearm to others during a FaceTime call.
The incident prompted an emergency response in Northern Kentucky and left the teenager with potentially life-threatening injuries. He was transported by helicopter to a Cincinnati hospital, where he continues to receive medical treatment.
According to the Elsmere Police Department, officers were dispatched to a reported shooting in the 100 block of Garvey Avenue early Saturday afternoon.
When first responders arrived, they found Javohn Pitts suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Due to the seriousness of his injuries, emergency personnel arranged for him to be airlifted to University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
Pitts remains hospitalized in critical condition, according to the information provided by police. Authorities have not released further details about his medical condition or prognosis.
During their investigation, police recovered a 9mm handgun from the residence.
Investigators believe the shooting happened while Pitts and another juvenile, who was acquainted with him, were displaying the handgun to other people during a FaceTime call. At some point during the incident, the firearm discharged, striking Pitts in the head.
Although the incident is being described as an apparent accidental shooting, authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the discharge and the events leading up to it.
A juvenile suspect was subsequently arrested in connection with the incident. Police reported that the suspect was acquainted with Pitts and has been charged with second-degree assault with a deadly weapon.
Because the individual is a juvenile, authorities have not publicly released the suspect’s identity.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information about the incident may be released as authorities continue reviewing the evidence.
Police are asking anyone who may have information about the shooting to contact the Kenton County Emergency Communication Center at 859-356-3191 or the Elsmere Police Department at 859-474-4785.
Information from witnesses or anyone familiar with the circumstances may help investigators establish a clearer account of what happened inside the Garvey Avenue residence.
At just 17 years old, Javohn Pitts is facing a serious medical battle following the shooting. His critical condition has left those who care about him hoping for positive news as he receives treatment.
The incident is also a sobering reminder of the dangers associated with handling firearms, particularly when a weapon is displayed or handled without proper safety precautions. A firearm can discharge unexpectedly, with consequences that may permanently change lives.
As the investigation continues, thoughts remain with Javohn Pitts, his family, and everyone hoping for his recovery. May he receive the care and support he needs during this difficult time.
