A family member identified the mother and son who were killed during a deadly shooting at a high school hockey game on Monday afternoon in Pawtucket. The 56-year-old father of a student at North Providence High School, identified as Robert Dorgan, opened fire at his son’s hockey game, killing the mother and her son and injuring several others.
Deadly Family Dispute
The deadly attack at a high school hockey game took place around 2:30 p.m. at Dennis M Lynch Arena, an indoor skating rink, in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves identified the shooting suspect as Robert Dorgan, also known by the name Roberta Esposito, at a press conference on Monday night.
The mother of the hockey player died at the rink, while the sibling died later after being transported to the hospital. Two other family members and a family friend were among those who sustained injuries. Goncalves believes the shooting was targeted and stemmed from a family dispute. However, this is an ongoing investigation, and they are making assumptions in the preliminary stages.
The family friend who was also wounded during the fatal shooting has not been publicly identified, but a family member clarified their relationship to The Boston Globe. As the investigation progresses and updates are received regarding the injured, Pawtucket officials and Governor Dan McKee are holding news conferences.
McKee announced his office has launched a statewide Support Hub providing resources for anyone who needs help during this time.
Detectives are still reviewing video footage from the game, and officials ask anyone with any information or video to contact the Pawtucket Police Department at (401) 727-9100 ext. 1711.
GoFundMe for Dorgan Family
Amanda Wallace-Hubbard, the half-sister of the younger victim, organized a GoFundMe on behalf of the family. “Our family has been forever changed by the tragic events at Lynch Arena, where we lost our beloved brother Aidan and their mother Rhonda, who was also my stepmother,” the fundraiser read. Wallace-Hubbard also confirmed their grandparents were among those injured.
“In addition to this unimaginable loss, their grandparents are currently in critical condition, fighting for their lives,” she said.
The fundraiser is over halfway to its goal, sitting at approximately $116,000. “If you are able, please consider donating or sharing this fundraiser to help Ava and Colin as they rebuild their lives,” Wallace-Hubbard wrote. Ava and Colin are the surviving siblings and children of Rhonda, and all express their gratitude towards those standing with their family.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing with our family,” Wallace-Hubbard said.
Family Tree
According to multiple people who are familiar with the situation and the family’s dynamic, Rhonda Dorgan was Robert Dorgan’s ex-wife. They shared their son, Aidan Dorgan, who was the 17-year-old playing in Blackstone Valley Schools’ Senior Night game against the Johnston-Coventry Co-op team.
Authorities had not released the victims’ names to the public; however, there have been multiple reports to news stations, public statements made by friends and family on social media, and the North Providence Mayor Charles Lombardi confirmed Aiden’s identity in an interview.
Target 12 reported that suspect Robert Dorgan’s gender identity had been a point of contention within the family, and they had posted online criticizing anyone who opposes transgender identities. In a post on Sunday, Dorgan responded to conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, who referred to Delaware U.S. Representative Sarah McBride as “creepy.”
“dont be so … hurtt [sic] over somebody different. then wonder why trans ppl go … BERSERK,” Dorgan posted on X.
