Rhode island shooting: Ex-wife and son killed at high school hockey game, police say

Two people were killed and three others critically wounded after gunfire erupted during a high school ice hockey game at the Dennis M Lynch Arena in Pawtucket on Monday evening ET. Police have identified the deceased suspect and two victims, described the scene as a targeted family attack and said the shooter apparently died of a self-inflicted gunshot.

Victims and suspect identified

Authorities identified the suspect as Robert Dorgan, who was also known by the names Roberta Esposito and Roberta Dorgan. Dorgan was found dead inside the arena on Monday, apparently from a self-inflicted wound. The two people killed were Dorgan's ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, and their adult son, Aidan Dorgan.

Three other relatives—Rhonda's mother and father—and a family friend were wounded and listed in critical condition at hospital following the incident. A family statement released for a relief fundraiser said the family has been forever changed by the events at Lynch Arena and that the grandparents were fighting for their lives.

Scene, weapons and immediate response

Video taken during the event showed shots fired while players were on the ice, sending teams and spectators into a frantic scramble to exit the building. Pawtucket police said two firearms were recovered at the scene: a Glock 10mm pistol and a SIG Sauer P226. Investigators said both weapons were legally owned.

Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said a bystander stepped in and interjected, an action she characterized as likely contributing to a swift end to the tragedy. When asked whether the shooting followed a confrontation, the chief said no. Officers were working at the arena Monday evening ET and provided an update during a news conference the following morning ET.

Investigation status and family background

Police said detectives were examining thousands of the suspect's social media posts as part of an effort to determine motive, but emphasized that the suspect's gender identity is "irrelevant to the investigation at this point. " Court documents surfaced showing that Rhonda Dorgan filed for divorce from Robert Dorgan in February 2020; the filing originally listed "gender reassignment surgery, narcissistic + personality disorder traits" as grounds, wording that was later crossed out and replaced with "irreconcilable differences. "

Also in February 2020, the suspect filed a police report alleging threats from the father-in-law; at least one criminal charge was filed against the elder relative in relation to that dispute but was later dismissed. Police are continuing to review the long-running family dispute and other potential leads as they piece together events that culminated in Monday's violence.

Officials confirmed that Dorgan was employed by a major shipbuilder in the region. Investigators said they will release more details as the probe continues and urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist in the ongoing inquiry.

This remains an active investigation. Authorities are expected to provide further updates in the coming days as forensic work and interviews proceed.