Gay Partner of Finnish Ice Hockey Player Charged with Murder

Prosecutors have charged Rolf Nordmo (pictured right) with murder following the death of Finland's first openly gay ice hockey player, Janne Puhakka (pictured left)

Prosecutors have formally charged the partner of Finnish ice hockey player Janne Puhakka with murder. Puhakka, 29, was found dead in his home in Henttaa, Espoo, on October 13 last year. His partner, Rolf Nordmo, 66, is accused of shooting him twice with a hunting shotgun.

Investigators believe Nordmo had planned the attack for two weeks. He admitted responsibility for Puhakka’s death during the preliminary investigation but denies committing murder. The trial is set to begin on March 13 at the Western Uusimaa District Court in Espoo.

The 29-year-old Finnish Traitors star (pictured left) was allegedly shot twice in his chest with a hunting gun

Authorities report that Puhakka had visited his former home to discuss the separation when Nordmo allegedly retrieved the weapon. A friend later discovered the athlete’s body after he failed to respond to calls and messages. Police indicated that excessive violence was used in the attack.

Puhakka was the first Finnish ice hockey player to openly discuss his homosexuality. He played for Espoo Blues and Espoo United before ending his career in 2018. He later studied international business and worked in sportswear sales.

The former couple had a 37 year age gap and kept their relationship a secret for years because they worried about the public's reaction

Tributes poured in following his death, with the Finnish League for Human Rights and Helsinki Pride organizing a memorial gathering. Crowds lit candles in his honor at Helsinki’s Senate Square.

Puhakka had met Nordmo in 2014, and their relationship had been widely discussed in the media. Nordmo, a Norwegian veterinarian, was previously married and has three children. The couple had faced challenges due to their age gap and societal perceptions.

Authorities confirmed that the investigation continues, and Nordmo is expected to serve a life sentence if convicted.