Friend of Suspected Rhode Island Ice Rink Shooter Says She's 'Disgusted'

Kimberly, a friend of the suspect, was shocked by the tragic events at the hockey rink.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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A friend of the suspect in the deadly shooting at a Rhode Island ice rink expressed shock and disgust over the incident. Kimberly, who met the suspect Robert Dorgan in 2020, said she was baffled by his actions, as he had always spoken highly of his children. Dorgan, who also went by Roberta Esposito, allegedly shot and killed his ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan and their son Aiden, and also wounded Rhonda's parents and a family friend, before dying by suicide.

Why it matters

The shooting at the Rhode Island ice rink has left the community reeling, raising questions about the suspect's motives and mental state. As a friend of the suspect, Kimberly's perspective provides insight into his background and behavior leading up to the tragic event.

The details

According to Kimberly, she met Robert Dorgan in 2020 after he moved to Florida following his divorce. She said the two exchanged photos of their children, and Dorgan always spoke highly of his kids, saying they were the reason he breathed. Kimberly said Dorgan moved to Maine in 2023 to be closer to his children. Investigators are still searching for a motive, but Kimberly said Dorgan had expressed frustration about not spending enough time with his kids.

  • Kimberly met Robert Dorgan in 2020 after he moved to Florida following his divorce.
  • Dorgan moved to Maine in 2023 to be closer to his children.
  • Kimberly spoke with Dorgan just two weeks ago.

The players

Robert Dorgan

Also known as Roberta Esposito, the 56-year-old suspect in the shooting at the Rhode Island ice rink who allegedly killed his ex-wife and son before dying by suicide.

Rhonda Dorgan

The ex-wife of Robert Dorgan, who was killed in the shooting at the Rhode Island ice rink.

Aiden Dorgan

The son of Robert and Rhonda Dorgan, who was killed in the shooting at the Rhode Island ice rink.

Kimberly

A friend of the suspect, Robert Dorgan, who expressed shock and disgust over his actions.

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What they’re saying

“To see the events of this tragedy, it was just shocking because she had such a calm demeanor.”

— Kimberly (wect.com)

“She always spoke highly of her kids and she said that her children were the reason that she breathed.”

— Kimberly (wect.com)

“I cannot, in any situation, understand how she could go and take the life of her child, especially since she spoke so highly of them, and it just breaks my heart. I'm disgusted. I'm mad.”

— Kimberly (wect.com)

“Roberta expressed frustration about not spending time with him as much as she had wanted to spend time with her kids. To do this to her family was just atrocious.”

— Kimberly (wect.com)

What’s next

Investigators are still searching for a motive in the shooting, and are likely to continue interviewing friends and family members of the suspect and victims.

The takeaway

This tragic event has left the community in shock and raised questions about the suspect's mental state and the factors that may have led to such a devastating act of violence. As the investigation continues, it will be important to understand the full context and circumstances surrounding the shooting in order to prevent similar tragedies in the future.