Family Murder-Suicide Shocks Rhode Island Hockey Game

A biological male identifying as female murdered his wife and daughter at a Rhode Island youth hockey game in a horrifying act of domestic violence that left families and young athletes traumatized, yet credible evidence reveals no pre-attack Twitter posts exist despite viral social media claims suggesting otherwise.

Story Snapshot

Robert K. Dorgan (aka Roberta Esposito) killed his wife and daughter during a high school hockey game at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket on February 16, 2026, injuring three other family members before committing suicide.
Police classified the shooting as a targeted familicide stemming from a family dispute, with the shooter’s daughter previously noting his mental health struggles.
Despite viral social media claims about pre-attack Twitter posts, no credible evidence exists in police statements or news reports confirming any social media activity by the shooter before the incident.
The attack traumatized dozens of young hockey players and families who witnessed the violence during a livestreamed game, with spectators initially mistaking gunshots for balloons popping or skate noises.

Familicide Unfolds During Youth Hockey Game

Robert K. Dorgan, a 56-year-old North Providence resident and biological male identifying as female under the name Roberta Esposito, opened fire at approximately 2:30 p.m. during a high school boys’ hockey game between the Coventry/Johnston co-op team and the Blackstone Valley co-op at Dennis M. Lynch Arena. The shooter fired approximately eleven shots specifically targeting family members, including his wife and three children. His daughter died at the scene while his wife succumbed to injuries at the hospital. Three other family members sustained critical injuries and were transported for emergency treatment. Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves confirmed the incident as a targeted family dispute with no broader threat to the community.

Mental Health Issues and Domestic Violence Escalation

According to reports, the shooter’s daughter had previously disclosed her father’s ongoing mental health struggles, providing context for what authorities described as an escalation of family conflict. The attack occurred in full view of dozens of spectators attending the youth hockey tournament, many of whom were parents and students. Witnesses described panic and confusion as players and spectators fled or barricaded themselves in locker rooms. A bystander attempted to disarm the shooter, who then produced a second weapon before ultimately taking his own life. The incident represents a devastating failure of family intervention systems that might have prevented this tragic domestic violence outcome, highlighting the need for better mental health resources and family crisis management.

Community Trauma at Catholic School Event

The shooting targeted families attending a game involving Catholic school St. Raphael Academy as part of the Blackstone Valley co-op, along with Providence Country Day, North Providence High School, and North Smithfield High School. Young athletes who came to play hockey instead witnessed a murder-suicide that will likely require extensive trauma counseling. Many spectators initially mistook the gunfire for mundane arena sounds, delaying their protective response. The livestreamed nature of the game meant the chaos was broadcast beyond those physically present, amplifying the horror for remote viewers. School superintendents, including Coventry’s Don Cowart, worked to confirm all players were safe and coordinate family reunifications via buses as the arena remained locked down during the investigation.

No Evidence of Pre-Attack Social Media Activity

Despite viral claims circulating on social media platforms suggesting the shooter posted concerning messages on Twitter before the attack, no credible evidence supports these assertions. Police statements from Chief Goncalves and investigative reports from Pawtucket Police, Rhode Island State Police, and the ATF make no mention of any social media posts by Dorgan prior to the shooting. News coverage from WGBH, OSV News, and other outlets consistently describes the incident solely as a targeted family dispute without referencing online activity. The absence of social media evidence in official accounts suggests the viral claims may stem from misinformation or confusion with other incidents, underscoring the importance of verifying facts before sharing sensational content online.

Rhode Island’s Second Mass Shooting in Two Months

The Pawtucket hockey rink shooting occurred just two months after a mass shooting at Brown University that killed two students and injured nine others, placing Rhode Island communities on edge regarding public safety. Governor Dan McKee and Senator Jack Reed issued statements calling the incident a “horrific tragedy” while praising first responders who secured the scene and provided medical assistance. The Providence Bruins and New England Patriots organizations expressed condolences to affected families. As of February 17, 2026, victims’ names remained withheld pending family notifications, and the investigation continued with no additional suspects identified. Mental health resources were deployed to support traumatized players, families, and witnesses who experienced this senseless act of family violence at what should have been a safe community sporting event.