Rhode Island shooting at Pawtucket arena kills ex-wife and son, police say

Two people were fatally shot at a high school ice hockey game in Pawtucket on Monday (ET), and the suspect was later found dead inside the arena from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot, police said. Authorities identified the deceased victims as the suspect's ex-wife and their adult son. Three other family members were wounded and remain in critical condition.

What happened at the arena

The shooting occurred during a game at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, just a few miles from the state capital. Video of the incident showed players on the ice and spectators scrambling as shots rang out and panic spread through the building. Law enforcement officers who responded to the scene discovered a person later identified as the suspect, who appeared to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said investigators believe the attack was targeted and that it did not follow a confrontation inside the arena. Chief Goncalves described the quick end to the incident as likely tied to a bystander who intervened and interjected, helping to bring the situation to a close.

Victims, suspect and weapons

The two people killed were identified as Rhonda Dorgan and her adult son, Aidan Dorgan. The suspect was identified as Robert Dorgan, who has also used the names Roberta Esposito and Roberta Dorgan. Officers found two handguns at the scene, a Glock 10mm pistol and a SIG Sauer P226. Chief Goncalves said both firearms were legally owned.

In addition to the two fatalities, Rhonda Dorgan's mother and father plus a family friend were shot and taken to hospital in critical condition. A family statement posted to support an online fundraiser said the family has been "forever changed" and confirmed the grandparents were fighting for their lives.

Authorities are examining the suspect's digital footprint and said they were combing through thousands of social media posts. Investigators have also emphasized that the suspect's gender identity is not central to the inquiry; records show identification in the name Robert, while the suspect was also known by the name Roberta, and witnesses noted the suspect appeared to be wearing female clothing at the scene.

Background and investigation

Court records show Rhonda Dorgan filed for divorce from Robert Dorgan in February 2020. In the petition she cited matters including gender reassignment and personality traits as grounds for divorce, though those words were crossed out and replaced with "irreconcilable differences" in the document record. That same month, the person later identified as the suspect filed a police report alleging the father-in-law had threatened to have them killed; a criminal charge was filed against the father-in-law but was later dismissed.

Local officials have said motive remains under investigation but that evidence points to a family dispute. Law enforcement continues to process the scene and to review witness statements, video evidence and the recovered firearms. Investigators are also following up on leads from the suspect's social media history to build a clearer timeline of events and potential planning.

The suspect was an employee of a regional shipbuilding employer. Community leaders and family members have expressed shock and grief as hospitals treat the surviving victims and authorities continue their probe. Police urged anyone with additional video or information to come forward to aid the investigation.