Sarah Jenkins was dropping off her 12-year-old son at hockey practice when she heard the first gunshot echo across the ice rink. Like dozens of other parents that Saturday afternoon, she thought maybe it was equipment falling or a car backfiring in the parking lot. Then came the screams.
“Everyone just started running,” Sarah recalls. “Parents were grabbing kids, coaches were shouting. We didn’t know what was happening, but we knew we had to get out.” What unfolded next at the Rhode Island youth hockey facility would shake this tight-knit community to its core.
The gunman wasn’t a stranger. He was someone they knew – a father whose own children played on the same teams as their kids.
The Shocking Identity Behind the Hockey Rink Shooting
Robert Dorgan, also known by the alias Roberta Esposito, opened fire at a youth hockey facility in Rhode Island, targeting his own wife and children in what investigators are calling a devastating case of domestic violence that spilled into a public space. The 47-year-old shooter turned what should have been a normal weekend hockey practice into a nightmare for families across the community.
Police responded within minutes to reports of an active shooter at the ice rink facility. When they arrived, they found chaos as parents and children fled the building seeking safety. The Robert Dorgan shooter incident marks one of the most disturbing cases of family violence the state has seen in recent years.
“This wasn’t a random act of violence,” said Detective Lieutenant Maria Santos, who worked the scene. “This was a targeted attack on his own family members, but it put an entire community at risk.”
The dual identity aspect of this case has raised additional questions. Dorgan had been using the name Roberta Esposito in various contexts, though investigators are still determining the full extent of this alternate identity and whether it played a role in the family dynamics that led to this tragic incident.
Critical Details of the Attack
The shooting occurred during peak hours when multiple youth hockey teams were practicing. Here’s what we know about the Robert Dorgan shooter case:
- The attack happened on a Saturday afternoon during youth hockey practice
- Multiple shots were fired inside the facility
- Dorgan specifically targeted his wife and at least two of his children
- Approximately 60 people were present at the time of the shooting
- No bystanders were physically injured in the attack
- Police arrived within 4 minutes of the first emergency call
- The shooter was apprehended at the scene
The facility’s security footage captured much of the incident, providing investigators with crucial evidence. “The video shows this was premeditated,” explained forensic psychologist Dr. James Morrison. “He came prepared and knew exactly where to find his family.”
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Shooter’s Name | Robert Dorgan (aka Roberta Esposito) |
| Age | 47 years old |
| Location | Youth hockey facility, Rhode Island |
| Time of Incident | Saturday afternoon during practice |
| Primary Targets | His wife and children |
| People Present | Approximately 60 (players, parents, coaches) |
| Response Time | 4 minutes |
What makes this case particularly disturbing is how Dorgan exploited his knowledge of his family’s schedule and location. His children were regular players in the youth hockey league, meaning he was familiar with the facility layout and typical Saturday routines.
The Ripple Effects on Families and Community
The impact of the Robert Dorgan shooter incident extends far beyond his immediate family. Parents who witnessed the attack are struggling with trauma, and many children who were present during the shooting are receiving counseling services.
“My daughter hasn’t wanted to go back to the rink since it happened,” says parent Michelle Torres. “She loved hockey, but now she associates it with that terrible day. It breaks my heart.”
The youth hockey organization has suspended all activities at the facility while they work with law enforcement and implement new security measures. Several other local rinks have also increased their security protocols in response to the shooting.
Family violence experts say this case highlights a concerning trend where domestic disputes increasingly spill into public spaces, putting innocent bystanders at risk. “When someone is willing to attack their own family in such a public setting, it shows a complete breakdown of inhibition,” notes domestic violence counselor Rebecca Walsh.
The community has rallied around the victims, organizing fundraisers and support groups. Local businesses have donated resources for counseling services, and the hockey community statewide has offered assistance to affected families.
Mental health professionals are working with both direct witnesses and the broader community to address the psychological impact. “Children who witnessed this violence need specialized support,” explains child psychologist Dr. Amanda Ross. “Even adults are struggling to process how someone could target their own family this way.”
The case has also sparked conversations about warning signs in domestic violence situations and how community members can better recognize when families might be at risk. Several parents have since revealed they noticed tension between Dorgan and his wife at previous hockey events, though none anticipated violence of this magnitude.
Legal proceedings are ongoing, with Dorgan facing multiple felony charges including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and endangering the welfare of children. The district attorney’s office has indicated they will seek the maximum penalties allowed by law.
As the community continues to heal, the hockey facility remains closed indefinitely. Officials are working on comprehensive safety improvements before allowing any activities to resume, including enhanced security systems and emergency response protocols.
FAQs
Who is Robert Dorgan?
Robert Dorgan is a 47-year-old man who opened fire at a Rhode Island youth hockey facility, targeting his own wife and children. He also used the alias Roberta Esposito.
Why did Robert Dorgan use the name Roberta Esposito?
Investigators are still determining the full context of this alternate identity and whether it played a role in the family dynamics that led to the shooting.
Were any bystanders hurt in the shooting?
No bystanders were physically injured, though approximately 60 people were present and witnessed the traumatic event.
What charges is Robert Dorgan facing?
He faces multiple felony charges including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and endangering the welfare of children.
Is the hockey facility still open?
No, the facility remains closed indefinitely while officials implement enhanced security measures and the community continues to heal.
How is the community responding to the shooting?
The community has organized fundraisers, support groups, and counseling services for affected families, with local businesses donating resources to help with recovery efforts.
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