Rhode Island ice skating rink shooting: Suspect killed ex-wife and son, injured 3

Police vehicle parked outside the hockey rink, Photo Date: 02/17/2026 (Photo: WPRI / MGN)

(ABC) — The suspect in the Rhode Island shooting killed their ex-wife and adult son and wounded three others after opening fire at their younger son’s ice hockey game, authorities said.

Robert Dorgan, 56, who officials said also goes by the name Roberta Esposito, carried out the shooting around 2:30 p.m. on Monday at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, about 5 miles outside of Providence, according to Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves.

Dorgan’s ex-wife died at the scene and their adult son died at the hospital, Goncalves said. Dorgan’s ex-wife’s parents and a family friend were shot and hospitalized in critical condition, she said.

The chief described the shooting as “very targeted,” saying “he did approach the family individually.”

Several bystanders jumped in to subdue Dorgan, Goncalves said. Dorgan then reached for a second gun and died by a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Goncalves said.

The shooting unfolded while Dorgan’s family was watching their teenage son play hockey during senior night, Goncalves said, calling it a “normal high school game that should’ve gone on without any type of violence.”

The motive is not clear, the chief said, adding that there was “no indication from the family or friends that any violence was underway.”

Dorgan’s two recovered handguns were bought legally, the chief said.

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