Rhode Island Ice Hockey Shooting Kills Suspect's Ex-Wife and Son in Family Tragedy
February 18, 2026
Two victims shot dead at a Rhode Island high school ice hockey game have been identified as the suspect's ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan and their son Aidan Dorgan. The suspect, Robert Dorgan, also known as Roberta Esposito, was found dead inside Dennis M Lynch Arena in Pawtucket from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The shooting triggered chaos among players and spectators. Rhonda's parents and a family friend were critically injured and hospitalized. Police said the attack appeared to be a family dispute, but no clear motive has been confirmed. Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves stated that there was no preceding confrontation, and that the two guns used—a Glock 10mm pistol and a SIG Sauer P226—were legally owned. A bystander intervened, reportedly bringing the tragic event to a swift end. Court papers show Rhonda filed for divorce in February 2020, citing "gender reassignment surgery, narcissistic + personality disorder traits," later replaced with "irreconcilable differences." The suspect had accused his father-in-law of threats, but charges were dismissed. Officials are reviewing thousands of Dorgan's social media posts but say his gender identity is irrelevant to the investigation. The family expressed deep sorrow for the loss and the ongoing fight for the grandparents' lives. Robert Dorgan was an employee of General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, which extended sympathies to the affected families. Witnesses recall hearing gunfire during the game and watching paramedics perform CPR, a scene described as "really disturbing."
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Tags:
Rhode Island
Ice Hockey Shooting
Robert Dorgan
Family dispute
Gun violence
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