A horrific scene unfolded at Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, during a high school hockey game. Robert K. Dorgan, 56, opened fire on his own family, shattering a community and leaving a trail of unimaginable grief.
Dorgan, who also identified as Roberta Esposito or Roberta Dorgano, targeted his wife and daughter, ultimately taking their lives before ending his own. Three other family members were critically wounded in the brutal attack, their lives forever altered.
In the days leading up to the tragedy, Dorgan engaged in heated online exchanges, responding to comments about transgender individuals. He vehemently defended his community, stating that intolerance fuels extreme reactions, a chilling foreshadowing of the violence to come.
The situation was far more complex than a simple ideological clash. Court records reveal a history of escalating family conflict stemming from Dorgan’s gender transition. A previous accusation by his father-in-law included threats of violence, fueled by transphobic rage.
His wife, Rhonda Dorgan, initially cited “gender reassignment surgery” and “narcissistic personality disorder traits” in divorce filings, though those reasons were later amended to “irreconcilable differences.” The underlying strain, however, remained a palpable force.
A heartbreaking post from Dorgan himself surfaced, revealing his wife’s pain. He wrote of her lamenting the loss of the husband she once knew, expressing a desperate plea for understanding and support. It’s a chilling glimpse into the emotional turmoil within the family.
Witnesses described the shooter entering the arena with two pink firearms, initially dismissed by some as toys. This detail underscores the shocking and surreal nature of the event, a moment of disbelief before the eruption of violence.
Police Chief Tina Goncalve characterized the shooting as a “targeted family dispute,” a stark assessment that points to the deeply personal roots of the tragedy. It wasn’t a random act of violence, but a culmination of years of simmering conflict.
A woman identifying herself as Dorgan’s daughter spoke to reporters, her voice trembling with grief and disbelief. “He shot my family and he’s dead now,” she stated, a devastatingly simple sentence encapsulating the enormity of the loss.
She described her father as “very sick,” hinting at underlying mental health struggles that may have contributed to the horrific outcome. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing mental health needs and providing support to those in crisis.
The arena, once a place of youthful energy and athletic competition, became a scene of unimaginable horror. The echoes of the gunshots will undoubtedly linger, a permanent scar on the community of Pawtucket.
Beyond the immediate tragedy, the case raises difficult questions about family dynamics, gender identity, and the impact of societal intolerance. It’s a story of pain, loss, and a desperate plea for understanding in a world often divided by difference.
