Robert Dorgan (esposito)

Mass Murderer

Robert Dorgan (Roberta Esposito) and the 2026 Pawtucket Hockey Rink Massacre

Overview

Robert Dorgan, a 56-year-old Rhode Island native who also used the names Roberta Esposito and Roberta Dorgano, carried out a targeted mass shooting against members of Dorgan's own family during a crowded high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The attack occurred on Monday, February 16, 2026, inside the Dennis M. Lynch Arena at 25 Andrew D. Ferland Way. Three victims ultimately died, two other people were wounded, and Dorgan died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene. The shooting unfolded shortly before 3 p.m. while spectators were watching a game involving the Blackstone Valley high school cooperative hockey team and the Coventry-Johnston cooperative team. The game was also connected to a Senior Night celebration, an occasion when graduating players are traditionally recognized with their families. Instead, the afternoon became a scene of panic as gunfire erupted in the spectator stands and players, parents and other witnesses scrambled for safety.

The Shooting at Dennis M. Lynch Arena

Investigators said Dorgan entered the arena and joined relatives who were sitting in the stands. There was reportedly no obvious confrontation immediately before the shooting. Dorgan suddenly produced a handgun and began firing at specific members of the family group rather than indiscriminately targeting everyone inside the building. Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves described the violence as a targeted incident that appeared to have arisen from a family dispute. Dorgan's former wife, Rhonda Dorgan, and their adult son, Aidan Dorgan, were struck by gunfire. Rhonda died at the arena, while Aidan was transported for emergency medical treatment but did not survive. Rhonda's parents, Gerald and Linda Dorgan, were also shot, as was family friend Thomas Geruso. All three were initially reported to be in critical condition. Aidan reportedly attempted to protect his mother and intervene as the shooting unfolded. Other people in the arena also rushed toward the attacker despite the danger. At least one bystander physically confronted Dorgan and helped bring the initial assault to an end. The intervention prevented Dorgan from continuing to move freely through the crowded stands, although police later determined that Dorgan had brought more than one firearm into the arena. After being confronted and partially subdued, Dorgan reached for a second handgun and fired a fatal shot at Dorgan's own head. Police officers arriving at the arena found Dorgan dead near two firearms. Officers initially entered without knowing whether the attacker was still alive, while witnesses shouted information about the location of the gunman and the wounded victims.

Victims

• Rhonda Dorgan: Dorgan's 52-year-old former wife. She was shot and killed on February 16, 2026, inside the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
• Aidan Dorgan: The 23-year-old adult son of Robert and Rhonda Dorgan. He was shot during the February 16 attack and died after being taken for emergency medical care.
• Gerald Dorgan: Rhonda Dorgan's 75-year-old father and Robert Dorgan's former father-in-law. He was critically wounded on February 16 and died from his injuries on February 25, 2026.
• Linda Dorgan: Rhonda's mother. She suffered critical gunshot wounds during the attack but was not reported among the fatalities.
• Thomas Geruso: A friend of the Dorgan family. He was shot and critically wounded while attending the hockey game.

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Confirmed Victims: (4)

Rhonda Dorgan 52 yr old Male

The shooter who opened fire at four family members - killing two of them