Tragedy at High School Hockey Game: Trans Shooter Kills Ex, Son, and Themself

Shooting during senior night event leaves community devastated

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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A former couple, who were also cousins, were killed in a shooting at a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The shooter, Roberta Esposito, who lived as a transgender woman, opened fire during their younger son's senior night event, killing their ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan and their 23-year-old son Aiden Dorgan. Esposito also critically injured Rhonda's parents and a family friend before turning the gun on themself.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the complex and often troubled personal lives that can lead to such devastating acts of violence. The shooting has left the local hockey community and the city of Pawtucket in shock, raising questions about mental health, family dynamics, and gun violence.

The details

According to reports, Esposito attended the hockey game to celebrate their younger son's senior night event. During the game, Esposito opened fire, killing Rhonda Dorgan and their 23-year-old son Aiden. Esposito also critically injured Rhonda's parents, Linda and Gerald Dorgan, as well as family friend Thomas Geruso. Esposito then turned the gun on themself, ending the massacre.

  • The shooting occurred on February 16, 2026, during a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
  • Esposito was attending their younger son's senior night event at the time of the shooting.

The players

Roberta Esposito

Also known as Robert Dorgan, Esposito was the shooter who lived as a transgender woman. Esposito had a complicated family history and was estranged from much of their family due to radical thinking and a devotion to Nazi ideology.

Rhonda Dorgan

Esposito's ex-wife, who was also their first cousin once removed. The couple divorced, with Rhonda citing irreconcilable differences related to Esposito's gender reassignment surgery and mental health issues.

Aiden Dorgan

Esposito and Rhonda's 23-year-old son, who was killed in the shooting.

Linda and Gerald Dorgan

Rhonda's parents, who were critically injured in the shooting.

Thomas Geruso

A family friend of the Dorgans who was also critically injured in the shooting.

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What they’re saying

“What should have been a joyful occasion, with dozens of families, students, and supporters gathered to celebrate Senior Night … was instead marked by violence and fear.”

— Don Grebien, Pawtucket Mayor (WPRI)

“When I think about that, and I look at those photographs, it obviously brings me back to that moment and makes my heart really ache.”

— Chip DeLorenzo, Photographer (WPRI)

What’s next

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the motive behind the tragic incident. The community is coming together to support the surviving family members, including Esposito's daughter Amanda Wallace-Hubbard, who has set up a GoFundMe to help cover the basic living expenses and education costs for Esposito and Rhonda's two younger children, Ava and Colin.

The takeaway

This devastating shooting has left a community in mourning and raised difficult questions about mental health, family dynamics, and gun violence. It serves as a tragic reminder of the need for greater understanding, support, and intervention for those struggling with personal demons, in order to prevent such senseless acts of violence from occurring.