PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WJAR) — The Pawtucket police chief on Tuesday confirmed that the two people fatally shot at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena ice rink on Monday were the shooter’s ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, and adult son, Aidan Dorgan.
Rhonda Dorgan died at the scene, and Aidan Dorgan died at the hospital.
The surviving victims are the shooter’s in-laws, Linda and Gerald Dorgan, and Thomas Geruso, a family friend.
All three were in critical condition.
Chief Tina Goncalves said the shooter, Robert Dorgan, had two guns. She said the suspect also went by Roberta. Dorgan was not a Rhode Island resident, police said.
The chief told NBC 10 News that police recovered seven firearms magazines. She said some exceeded Rhode Island’s 10-round limit.
Goncalves on Monday credited an unnamed “good Samaritan” who intervened, bringing the attack “to a swift end.” She said Tuesday at least three bystanders were able to contain Dorgan but said Dorgan was still able to reach for a second gun. Dorgan then died of a self-inflicted gunshot, Goncalves said.
The chief added that during the course of their investigation, they have determined that there was no expectation or indication that family or friends were fearful of violence. The trigger event or motive is unknown at this point. Goncalves also said it does not appear there was a confrontation between the family and the suspect.
The family was at the rink to watch a younger son play in a high school hockey game between two co-op teams.
Goncalves said the department is executing search warrants as part of its investigation and that it has reviewed several videos, including those taken by people who attended the game.
She asked anyone with additional video that police haven’t seen to come forward.
The game was livestreamed by the platform LiveBarn. The video showed people scrambling for safety after several popping noises were heard.
Monday’s shooting came nearly two months after a shooting in a building at Brown University that left two students dead and wounded nine others.
Separately, Pawtucket police said in a social media post that anyone who left something behind in the stands at the rink can pick it up at the Family Assistance Center at 175 Main St.
“Phones, purses, blankets, and many other items are being held for safe keeping,” police said.
Police said returning equipment that was left behind in the locker rooms will be worked out later.
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