A mother of three was shot to death alongside one of her children after her transgender ex-husband opened fire during a high school hockey game in Rhode Island, authorities said.
Rhonda Dorgan, 52, was killed Monday afternoon at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket when her ex-husband, Robert Dorgan, 56, allegedly began shooting during a “Senior Night” matchup. Dorgan, who also went by the name Roberta Esposito, later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.
Rhonda was pronounced dead at the indoor rink. Her son was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died. Two other family members and a family friend were injured, according to local reports.
Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said the violence appears to have stemmed from a family dispute and described the attack as targeted. A motive remains under investigation.
Just hours after the shooting, a woman who identified herself as Dorgan’s daughter told WCVB, “He shot my family, and he’s dead now.” She added that he “has mental health issues” and was “very sick.”
“keep bashing us. but do not wonder why we Go BERSERK”
The Pawtucket, R.I. mass sh—ter at the school hockey game is confirmed to be yet again a trans person.
Robert “Roberta” Dorgan shot five people, killing two and critically injuring three others. Four of the five shooting… pic.twitter.com/Quy9avQ3ot
— Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) February 17, 2026
Court records show Rhonda filed for divorce in 2020. In initial paperwork, she cited Dorgan’s “gender reassignment surgery, narcissistic + personality disorder traits” as grounds for the split, according to filings obtained by local media. Those allegations were later amended to “irreconcilable differences which have caused the immediate breakdown of the marriage.” The divorce was finalized in 2021.
Documents also reveal years of conflict within the extended family.
In early 2020, Dorgan told North Providence police that he had undergone gender reassignment surgery and claimed his father-in-law wanted him removed from the family home. According to court filings, Dorgan alleged his father-in-law threatened to “have him murdered by an Asian street gang if he did not move out of the residence.”
He further told officers that his father-in-law said, “There’s no goddam [sic] way a tranny is going to stay in my house.” Charges were filed against the father-in-law at the time but later dismissed by prosecutors.
Separate records show Dorgan also accused his mother of assault, alleging she acted in a “violent, threatening or tumultuous manner.” She was charged with simple assault and disorderly conduct, though that case was later dismissed as well.
Police have not said whether those past disputes were directly connected to Monday’s bloodshed.
The shooting unfolded around 2:30 p.m. as families packed the arena to celebrate graduating players. Video from inside the rink appeared to show Dorgan walking down the stands before opening fire. Roughly a dozen shots rang out, sending spectators scrambling and players diving for cover. None of the athletes on the ice were injured.
RELATED: NEW: Hockey Game Shooter Identified As Transgender
Goncalves credited a bystander with intervening, saying the individual’s actions likely prevented further casualties.
“What should have been a joyful occasion, with dozens of families, students and supporters gathered to celebrate Senior Night… was instead marked by violence and fear,” Pawtucket Mayor Don Grebien said. “Our prayers go out to the victims, their families and everyone impacted by this devastating incident.”
He added, “Pawtucket is a strong and resilient community, but tonight we are a city in mourning. We will stand together in support of those affected in the difficult days ahead and we will keep the public updated as confirmed facts become available.”
Investigators continue to review surveillance footage and interview witnesses as the tight-knit Rhode Island community reels from the tragedy.
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