Rhode Island Ice Rink Shooting Had Jacksonville Ties Through Suspect’s Past Residence, Records Show

Incident at Pawtucket arena left two victims dead and three others critically injured

A shooting during a high school hockey game at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, left two family members dead and three others critically injured, with the suspected shooter dying at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities said.

Police identified the shooter as 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, who also used the name Roberta Esposito. Officials described the attack as targeted and linked to an apparent family dispute. Investigators have not publicly detailed a motive.

Victims and injuries

Authorities said the two people killed were Rhonda Dorgan, 52, and her son, Aidan Dorgan, 23. Three additional victims were taken to a hospital in critical condition: Rhonda Dorgan’s parents, Linda and Gerald Dorgan, and a family friend, Thomas Geruso.

The shooting occurred in a crowded public setting during a youth hockey game, prompting a large emergency response and a rush to evacuate and reunify families.

What authorities have said about the sequence of events

Investigators said the suspect fired at members of his own family. Officials have also said bystanders intervened during the attack. Law enforcement has continued to review video and other evidence as part of the investigation.

Police have characterized the incident as a targeted act rather than random violence. Officials also said they were working to confirm the suspect’s movements and circumstances leading up to the shooting.

Jacksonville connection: what is known and what remains unclear

The case has drawn attention in Northeast Florida because public records reviewed in the investigation indicate the suspect previously lived in Jacksonville. Those records point to a relocation to Jacksonville around 2020, around the same period a divorce filing was initiated in the family.

Beyond the record of prior residence, investigators have not described any operational link to Jacksonville related to planning or execution of the attack. Authorities have not announced any Florida-based searches, additional suspects, or ongoing public safety threat tied to Jacksonville.

Background from court and public records

Court records indicate Rhonda Dorgan filed for divorce in February 2020 after a long marriage. The filing ultimately listed “irreconcilable differences,” and the divorce was finalized in June 2021.

Investigators have said the motive is still under investigation. Officials have not released full details about prior incidents, warnings, or protective orders, if any, and have not said whether the suspect legally obtained the weapons used.

• Date and location: Feb. 16, 2026, Dennis M. Lynch Arena, Pawtucket, Rhode Island
• Fatalities: Rhonda Dorgan, 52; Aidan Dorgan, 23; suspect died at scene by suicide
• Critically injured: Linda and Gerald Dorgan; Thomas Geruso
• Jacksonville tie: public records indicate the suspect previously lived in Jacksonville

Investigators have emphasized the event was targeted and tied to a family dispute, while declining to provide a detailed motive as the review of evidence continues.

The investigation remained active Tuesday and Wednesday, with officials urging the public to avoid spreading unverified claims as authorities work to establish a complete timeline.