Transgender Murderer’s Family Shares Struggles

PAWTUCKET, R.I. — Robert Dorgan, a transgender individual who committed murder, faced significant personal challenges throughout his life, leading to a strained relationship with his six children, as noted by his daughter, Amanda Wallace-Hubbard.

Wallace-Hubbard, 36, explained that, despite a history of problematic behavior, the family continued to extend second chances to Dorgan.

“I don’t think gender identity played a big role in how he was marginalized. For my siblings and me, it seemed more like a surface issue stemming from deeper struggles he had,” she shared. “He was dealing with some serious personal demons for a long time.”

She recounted her attempts to navigate her father’s troubling side, but once she had children, she felt she had to step back.

To safeguard her kids from his unpredictable actions, she ultimately decided to sever ties with him.

“My siblings and I had our ups and downs with our father. Despite his flaws, there were moments that hinted he could be a reliable parent,” she reflected.

“There would be times when you’d see a glimmer of hope that he could change,” Wallace-Hubbard added.

Dorgan’s transition was part of what she believes contributed to his 30-year marriage’s demise with ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan, whom he later killed alongside their son at a hockey rink in Pawtucket.

Despite his family’s efforts to help him over the years, Dorgan never truly addressed his issues or sought the necessary assistance, according to Wallace-Hubbard.

“He seemed oblivious to his mistakes. Even if he sensed them, he needed real mental health support, and he just wasn’t willing to seek that out,” she stated.

Wallace-Hubbard chose not to delve into specific incidents and emphasized that her views do not reflect those of her siblings, who each have their own “complicated relationships” with their father.

For the sake of her children, she maintained no contact with Dorgan, having mentally processed the loss of her father long ago. The tragic end of events—resulting in the deaths of her stepmother, Rhonda, and younger brother, Aidan—was particularly heart-wrenching for her.

She described Rhonda, a pivotal figure in their family, as “bubbly and charismatic,” saying, “She was the backbone of our family.” Her passing left a void that would be hard to fill.

Wallace-Hubbard also remembered Aidan fondly, saying, “He was smart and dedicated, pursuing a degree in engineering. He had a significant role in the Rhode Island hockey community and was a wonderful uncle to my kids.” She expressed the immense loss felt by many in wake of their deaths.

Reflecting on Rhonda, she added, “Replacing her is going to take a lot.”