Pawtucket, Rhode Island — A tragic shooting at a high school hockey game has left two family members dead and several others wounded, prompting a daughter of the shooter to characterize the event as a deliberate vendetta. The shooter, 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, also known as Roberta Esposito following a gender transition, took his own life after confronting relatives at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena.
Dorgan’s ex-wife, Rhonda, and their son, Aidan, were killed in the incident on Monday night. Additionally, Rhonda’s parents and a family friend suffered critical injuries and are currently hospitalized. Their other son, 17-year-old Colin, was participating in the hockey game but escaped harm.
According to Pawtucket police, the shooting is being investigated as a result of a family dispute. They noted that Dorgan died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene. This tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community, as details emerge about the strained family dynamics that allegedly fueled the violence.
In an interview, Amanda Wallace-Hubbard, Dorgan’s daughter from a previous marriage, described the siege as a personal vendetta aimed at her family. “This was not a random act; we were specifically targeted,” she insisted, underlining the tragic intent behind her father’s actions.
Wallace-Hubbard expressed her gratitude towards a bystander, Michael Black, who intervened during the shooting. His swift actions are credited with potentially saving numerous lives, including that of her two young sons, who witnessed the horrifying events unfold. “I can’t thank him enough,” Wallace-Hubbard said. “I’m certain my sons and I are alive because of him.”
She also reflected on her father’s troubled past, citing flaws and demons that led to his estrangement from the family. This context raises questions about the motivations that led to far-reaching consequences for those involved.
Community members are grappling with the aftermath of the shooting, as local officials and mental health professionals urge residents to seek support in the wake of this tragedy. Vigil services have been organized in honor of the victims, helping friends and families come together to process their grief and show solidarity.
As investigations continue, the community is left to mourn the loss and reflect on the complexities of family relationships in the face of such devastating violence.