Senior Night Shattered: Deadly Family Dispute Erupts at Dennis M. Lynch Arena

What was meant to be a celebration quickly turned into chaos and heartbreak when 56-year-old Robert Dorgan, who also went by Roberta Esposito, opened fire on members of his own family during a Senior Night hockey matchup in Pawtucket.

Authorities say Dorgan arrived at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena armed and dressed in women’s clothing. During the game, he targeted relatives seated in the stands, shooting five family members — including his ex-wife. Two victims were killed and three others were critically injured before Dorgan took his own life.

Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves said the shooting stemmed from a long-running family dispute. The suspect’s son, a player in the game, was on the ice at the time of the attack and was not physically harmed. Witnesses described panic inside the packed rink as families scrambled for safety. One man immediately intervened, confronting Dorgan and preventing further bloodshed.

Court documents and prior police reports reveal a history of escalating domestic conflicts.