A youth hockey game descended into a bloodbath when a gunman opened fire in the stands, executing his ex-wife and son before turning the weapon on himself.

The serenity of a Monday afternoon youth sports event at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket was shattered by the crack of gunfire. Robert Dorgan, 56, methodically targeted his family in the stands while players—including his other son—scrambled on the ice below.The attack leaves a community grappling with the terrifying reality of domestic violence spilling into the most public of sanctuaries.

Targeted Familial Annihilation

Police Chief Tina Goncalves confirmed the victims were Rhonda Dorgan and her adult son, Aidan Dorgan. The shooter, who also used the name Roberta Esposito, had a history of volatile behavior and social media outbursts regarding gender identity and family disputes. This was not a random act of terror but a calculated execution born from a festering domestic grievance.

• The Scene: Video footage captured the harrowing moment players dove for cover as shots rang out, transforming a game into a crime scene.
• The Motive: Investigators point to a bitter divorce and Dorgan's recent spiraling mental state, evidenced by erratic online manifestos.

The Trauma of Spectacle

The psychological scar on the young players who witnessed their teammate's family destroyed is incalculable. "There was no indication of violence," police noted, yet the warning signs were plastered across Dorgan's digital life. The incident forces a grim re-evaluation of security at youth sporting events.

As Pawtucket mourns, the narrative shifts from the game to the grave. Dorgan’s final act was one of absolute control, ensuring that his family’s story ended on his terms, leaving a legacy of blood on the ice.