Finland’s first openly gay ice hockey player, Janne Puhakka, was discovered dead at his home in Espoo on Sunday evening, October 13, following a suspected shooting.
The 29-year-old was found at the residence he shared with his partner, 65-year-old Rolf Nordmo, who has since been arrested. While police have not confirmed the identities of those involved, lead investigator Matti Högman indicated that the case is being treated as a deliberate homicide, stating, “The suspect and victim knew each other,” and suggesting that the act was premeditated.
Tributes have poured in for Puhakka, including one from former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, who shared a photo of him with a broken heart emoji.
According to a statement from the Finnish police, the Western Uusimaa Police are currently investigating the incident as a homicide. They received a call about a suspected violent crime at the apartment around 8 PM.
Multiple police patrols were dispatched, and a 65-year-old man was arrested at the scene without incident. The victim is approximately 30 years old.
Authorities assured that there was no threat to the public and currently believe no other individuals are involved.
The case is being investigated as manslaughter, but charges may change as the investigation continues.
Police have initiated a technical examination at the scene and will be questioning the suspect as the next step, while also looking into the motive behind the crime.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
