Son of Pawtucket ice rink shooter serving time for arson at predominantly black church

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Authorities have confirmed that a son of Pawtucket rink shooter Robert K. Dorgan is currently serving a federal prison sentence for setting fires at a predominantly Black church in North Providence, a connection What’s going on in Rhode Island had been working to verify for a day before confirmation was obtained.

Investigators said Kevin Colantonio, 37, pleaded guilty in federal court to setting multiple fires along the exterior of Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries in February 2024. Court records show the fires were intentionally set near entry points of the church during overnight hours, causing damage and prompting a federal arson and civil rights investigation. He was sentenced in 2025 to more than six years in federal prison.

North Providence police and the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office confirmed Colantonio is Robert Dorgan’s son. Officials said the two shared a North Providence address more than two decades ago, though investigators have not determined the extent of their relationship or contact in recent years.

The confirmed family connection adds another layer to the background of Monday’s deadly shooting at a Pawtucket ice rink, where authorities say Robert Dorgan, 56, who also went by Roberta Esposito, opened fire on relatives during a crowded Senior Night high school hockey game at Dennis M. Lynch Arena before dying from a self inflicted gunshot wound.

Dorgan’s ex wife, 52, was killed at the scene and her 23 year old son, Colantonio’s half brother died at the hospital. Two other family members remain in critical condition.

Authorities said the violence stemmed from a family dispute and continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.