Rhonda Dorgan Named in Pawtucket Shooting Case

New details have surfaced about Rhonda Dorgan, the former wife of Robert Dorgan, the man accused of opening fire at a youth hockey tournament in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

Authorities said the shooting took place at Dennis M. Lynch Arena during a high school hockey event. Police confirmed that two people were killed and three others were injured before the suspect allegedly shot himself.

According to Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves, the 56-year-old suspect also used the alias Roberta Esposito.

Divorce records and background

Court documents show that Dorgan’s then-wife, Rhonda, filed for divorce in 2000. Reports indicate that the filing came after Dorgan underwent gender-reassignment surgery.

Initial grounds for divorce reportedly mentioned personal and medical factors but were later amended to “irreconcilable differences.” The divorce was finalized in June 2021.

At the time of the divorce, records showed Dorgan was living in Jacksonville, Florida, and working as a truck driver.

Social media reference

On the day of the shooting, Dorgan commented on a social media post by US Representative Thomas Massie. The post referred to a cup gifted to the congressman and mentioned his late wife, Rhonda Massie.

In response, Dorgan wrote, “I have a beloved RHONDA too, my friend.” The comment was posted on February 16, the same day as the shooting.

Authorities have not commented on whether the message is connected to the incident.

Family disputes in past years

Public records indicate that Dorgan had been involved in previous family disputes.

Around the time of the divorce proceedings, Dorgan reportedly contacted North Providence Police alleging that a family member had threatened him in connection with tensions at home. Charges were filed in that matter but were later dismissed.

In 2020, another domestic dispute was reported involving Dorgan and a family member. That case was also dismissed, according to court records.

Officials have not stated whether any of these past incidents are directly linked to the recent shooting.

Victims and investigation

Local media reports indicated that Dorgan was the parent of a North Providence High School senior who was participating in the hockey tournament.

Authorities have confirmed that two victims died as a result of the shooting, while three others remain in critical condition. Police described the incident as stemming from what they termed a “family dispute,” though a full motive has not yet been publicly detailed.

The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement officials continue to gather evidence and review surveillance footage from the arena.

Officials have urged the public to rely on verified information as the case develops.