Woman Murdered By Her Trans Ex At Son’s Hockey Game
What was meant to be a celebratory “Senior Night” hockey game at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, ended in devastation Monday afternoon when a gunman opened fire inside the packed venue, killing two people—including his ex-wife—and wounding several others before taking his own life.
Authorities identified the shooter as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, who also went by the name Roberta Esposito. Police say Dorgan fatally shot his ex-wife, 52-year-old Rhonda Dorgan, at the arena during their son’s hockey game. Their son was also shot and later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Two additional family members and a family friend were injured in the attack. None of the hockey players on the ice were harmed.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said investigators believe the violence was targeted and stemmed from a family dispute. A motive has not yet been officially confirmed, and detectives continue to review video footage and interview witnesses who were present in the rink at the time of the shooting.
According to court records from Providence/Bristol County Family Court, Rhonda Dorgan filed for divorce in 2020. Initial filings referenced “gender reassignment surgery, narcissistic and personality disorder traits” before being amended to cite “irreconcilable differences.” The divorce was finalized in 2021.
Court documents obtained by local media outlets indicate that Dorgan had been involved in multiple disputes with family members in recent years. In early 2020, Dorgan told North Providence police that tensions escalated after undergoing gender reassignment surgery, alleging conflicts with a father-in-law who he claimed threatened him and used derogatory language. Charges were filed at the time but later dismissed.
Additional records show Dorgan accused his mother of assault in a separate incident; that case was also dismissed.
In the hours following Monday’s shooting, a woman identified by local station WCVB as Dorgan’s daughter said her father had struggled with mental health issues. “He shot my family, and he’s dead now,” she told the outlet, describing him as “very sick.”
Investigators are also examining social media posts that appear to be linked to Dorgan. One account reportedly shared a video showing a woman loading ammunition into a handgun. Another post warned critics to “not wonder why we go BERSERK” in defense of transgender Rep. Sarah McBride. Authorities have not confirmed the authenticity of the accounts or whether the posts are directly connected to the attack.
Video from inside Lynch Arena captured the chaos as shots rang out. Spectators scrambled for safety while players on the ice quickly ducked and rushed toward the sidelines. Chief Goncalves credited a bystander with attempting to subdue the gunman, saying the intervention may have prevented additional casualties.
Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien addressed the tragedy Monday evening, calling it a heartbreaking turn for what should have been a celebratory community event. “Our prayers go out to the victims, their families and everyone impacted by this devastating incident,” he said. “Pawtucket is a strong and resilient community, but tonight we are a city in mourning.”
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to piece together the events that led to the violence. For now, a tight-knit community is left grieving, grappling with unanswered questions, and supporting the families affected by an act that transformed a night of celebration into one of unimaginable loss.