Crime House 24/7 Episode: Shooter Kills Ex-Wife and Son During High School Hockey Game Before Taking Own Life Host: Vanessa Richardson Date: February 18, 2026

Overview

In this gripping episode, Vanessa Richardson delivers detailed, up-to-the-minute coverage of a shocking high school hockey game shooting in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, where the gunman killed his ex-wife and son before taking his own life. The episode examines the complicated domestic history that led up to the event, the reactions of the community, and investigations underway. It also covers several other violent incidents across the country, including a double homicide in North Carolina, a fatal home invasion in Ohio, and a high-profile vandalism and assault rampage in New York City. Vanessa concludes with a look into the infamous Yogurt Shop Murders and the enduring impact of cold cases.

1. Rhode Island Hockey Arena Shooting

[02:00–09:45]

Key Details

• Incident: On February 17, 2026, during a high school hockey game at Dennis M. Lynch Arena (Pawtucket, RI), 56-year-old Robert Dorgan (also known as Roberta Esposito) shot and killed his ex-wife, Rhonda Dorgan, and their son, Aiden Dorgan (23), before dying by suicide at the scene.
• Casualties: Two deceased (ex-wife and son), three others (two family members and a family friend) in critical condition.
• Setting: Packed arena with families; panic erupted as shots rang out.
• Eyewitness: Olin Lawrence, the teen goalie, initially thought shots were balloons popping, only to realize the real danger and describe the chaos as people fled for their lives.
  • Quote: “The first sounds didn’t even register as gunfire. I thought they might be balloons popping... then realized it was gunshots.” (Paraphrased, [03:40])

Domestic History & Tensions

• Background: In 2020, Dorgan underwent gender reassignment surgery. That same year, his then-wife Rhonda filed for divorce, citing the surgery and what she described as “narcissistic and personality disorder traits.” The divorce finalized in June 2021.
• Family Disputes: Dorgan alleged significant threats from his former father-in-law, including being told no transgender person could stay in his house, and threats involving violence. Dorgan moved to Florida post-divorce.
• Other Incidents: Dorgan accused his mother of assault (2020); father-in-law charged with witness intimidation (later dismissed).

Community & Official Response

• Governor Dan McKee described the event as “a senseless act of violence that shattered a community gathering meant for families.” ([07:11])
• Motivation: Investigators believe the act was targeted, rooted in domestic conflict, not a random attack.
• Ongoing Investigation: Authorities are reviewing years of domestic disputes and hours leading up to the attack, plus surveillance footage to understand weapon access and warning signs.
• Support Efforts: A GoFundMe campaign seeks to support the remaining Dorgan children.

2. Domestic Homicide of Ukrainian Refugee and U.S. Soldier

[09:45–13:10]

Incident Highlights

• Location: Vass, Moore County, North Carolina.
• Victims: Ukrainian refugee Katerina Tovmash (21) and her boyfriend, U.S. Army soldier Matthew Wade (28).
• Assailant: Caleb Fosna (25), Tovmash’s ex-boyfriend, allegedly drove 7 hours from Ohio, broke into her mother’s home, forced a sibling to wake her, then shot both Tovmash and Wade as they lay in bed.
  • Quote (Megan Wade, victim's sister): “He forced one of her siblings to wake her, then shot her and then shot my brother who was sleeping next to her.” ([11:00])
• Arrest: Fosna was arrested in Ohio the same day, charged with two counts of murder and one count of breaking and entering.
• Motive: Not publicly confirmed, believed to be jealousy and prior relationship issues.

Community and Personal Impact

• Background: Tovmash and family were refugees from Ukraine, rebuilding their lives in North Carolina.
  • Friend’s quote (Kirill Prishepkuk): “She came here to hide from death and the danger... This is not normal.” ([12:00])
• Support: GoFundMe launched for funeral expenses; over $23,000 raised as of the episode.

3. Fatal Home Invasion in Ohio

[13:25–15:30]

Incident Summary

• Victim: Ashley Flynn (37), Tippecanoe Middle School volleyball coach and teacher.
• Location: Tip City, Ohio; incident occurred at her home on February 16.
• Circumstances: Suspected burglary/home invasion; husband and children present but uninjured; Ashley Flynn was found fatally shot.
• Investigation: Forced entry confirmed; Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation involved; as of episode, no suspects identified.

Community Reaction

• School District Statement: Superintendent Erin Moran:
  • Quote: “[Ashley] was known for her warm smile, welcoming spirit and genuine care for others. She positively impacted those around her, often without even realizing it.” ([15:00])
• Local Vigil: Flynn was commemorated at a gathering organized by a local religious education program.

4. Midtown Manhattan Valentine’s Day Rampage

[15:30–18:15]

Event Chain

• Perpetrator: Jonathan Jones (36)
• Spree Timeline:
  • Broke into Uncle Jack’s Steakhouse (smashed window, drank $50 gin, caused $50,000 in damage).
  • Broke into Interface Retreats Hostel, assaulted an employee, and stole fire extinguisher.
  • Used extinguisher in nearby 7-Eleven, causing respiratory injuries to an employee.
  • Vandalized a nearby deli before arrest.
• Criminal Charges: Burglary, robbery, assault, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment. Jones pleaded not guilty.
• Business Impact: Significant property damage; businesses reeling from losses.
  • Quote (Mohamed Yassin, steakhouse manager): “Thank God there was nobody in the restaurant.” ([16:45])

5. Feature Segment: The Yogurt Shop Murders (Clues Podcast Highlight)

[20:20–26:38]

Case Recap and Lessons Learned

• Crime: 1991, Austin, Texas – four teenage girls murdered in a yogurt shop, store set on fire.
• Forensic Complications:
  • Crime scene destruction by arson obscured evidence.
  • Initial confessions later disproved by DNA; convictions overturned.
  • 2023: DNA genealogy identified the likely killer (now deceased), decades after the crime.
• Systemic Issues:
  • Tunnel vision in early investigation.
  • Overreliance on confessions vs. physical evidence.
  • Limitations of 1990s forensics slowed resolution.
  • Public and media pressure shaped investigative priorities.
  • Quote (Vanessa Richardson): “The yogurt shop murders reshaped Austin and challenged investigators for more than three decades. A compromised crime scene, contested confessions, evolving forensic science and intense public pressure all played roles in the long and complicated path to identification.” ([25:30])

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “A senseless act of violence that shattered a community gathering meant for families.” – Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee ([07:11])
• “The first sounds didn’t even register as gunfire. I thought they might be balloons popping... then realized it was gunshots.” – Olin Lawrence, hockey goalie ([03:40])
• “My father was the shooter. He shot my family and he’s dead now.” – Robert Dorgan’s daughter ([05:30])
• “She came here to hide from death and the danger... This is not normal.” – Kirill Prishepkuk, friend of Katerina Tovmash ([12:00])
• “Ashley was heavily involved in our district. She was known for her warm smile, welcoming spirit and genuine care for others.” – Superintendent Erin Moran ([15:00])
• “Thank God there was nobody in the restaurant.” – Mohamed Yassin, Uncle Jack’s manager ([16:45])
• “The yogurt shop murders reshaped Austin and challenged investigators for more than three decades…” – Vanessa Richardson ([25:30])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Rhode Island hockey shooting: [02:00–09:45]
• North Carolina double homicide: [09:45–13:10]
• Ohio home invasion murder: [13:25–15:30]
• NYC vandalism spree: [15:30–18:15]
• Yogurt Shop Murders analysis: [20:20–26:38]

Tone and Style

The episode maintains an urgent, fact-based tone, emphasizing compassion for victims, the gravity of unfolding criminal events, and the uncertainties investigators must face. Vanessa Richardson narrates with clarity, seriousness, and empathy, especially when conveying firsthand statements from relatives and community leaders.

For a deeper dive, listen to the full episode or visit the Clues podcast for additional forensic analysis on the Yogurt Shop Murders.