Rhode Island Ice Rink Shooter, Ex-Wife Found to Be Cousins Once Removed
Rhode Island ice rink shooter and ex-wife are cousins once removed. Dive into the shocking family secret behind the attack. Read the latest details no
Newly surfaced reports indicate a surprising familial connection in the tragic Rhode Island ice rink shooting: Robert Dorgan, the 56-year-old transgender man who opened fire at a high school hockey game in Pawtucket, was reportedly first cousins once removed with his ex-wife and one of his victims, Rhonda Dorgan. The revelation comes from a review of U.S. Census records dating back to 1950.
According to those records, Robert Dorgan’s father, Robert J. Dorgan, and Rhonda’s parent, Raymond Dorgan, were part of the same extended family. Edward F. Dorgan, the patriarch listed in the census, was the grandfather of Robert and the great-grandfather of Rhonda, establishing their first cousins once removed relationship. The couple shared the Dorgan surname prior to their 1992 marriage and divorced in 2021 following years of familial disputes.
The shooting occurred on February 16 during a high school senior night hockey game at Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket. Robert Dorgan killed Rhonda, 52, and their son Aidan Dorgan, 23, and wounded three others — including Rhonda’s parents — before dying of a self-inflicted gunshot, according to Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves. Authorities reported that a bystander intervened, helping end the attack.
Court documents reveal a history of family tension following Dorgan’s 2020 gender reassignment surgery. Reports indicate that Dorgan alleged his father-in-law threatened him and used slurs, though charges were later dismissed. Divorce filings initially cited Dorgan’s transition and “narcissistic traits,” later amended to irreconcilable differences.
The incident, described as targeted, shocked the local community, particularly because it occurred during a public school event. Police continue to investigate the complex family dynamics and the motives that led to the tragedy.
The shooting has renewed discussions on domestic violence, family conflict, and the importance of early intervention in cases involving ongoing family disputes. Community leaders and law enforcement emphasize ongoing support for survivors and counseling services for those affected.