Breakup was motive behind hockey pro's murder, police say

Police investigating the suspected murder of former professional ice hockey player Janne Puhakka said on Tuesday morning they believe a breakup was the motive for the killing.

Puhakka, the first Finnish ice hockey player to publicly reveal his homosexuality, was found dead at his residence in the Henttaa district of Espoo on Sunday evening.

Police told Finnish media on Tuesday that a 66-year-old man has admitted to shooting the 29-year-old Puhakka.

The police statement did not confirm the identity of the suspect.

However, according to Yle's information, Puhakka's partner, the 66-year-old Norwegian veterinarian Rolf Nordmo, has admitted to the killing.

"Based on an interview with the suspect, the motive for the crime was the end of the relationship between the victim and the suspect," Detective Inspector Matti Högman said in the police's statement.

Högman added that, based on current information, Puhakka had moved out of the couple's shared home in Espoo after the relationship ended some weeks ago. He returned on Sunday to take care of some "practical matters", Högman said.

Candles placed in front of Janne Puhaka's home in Henttaa, Espoo. Image: Hans-Peter Dhuy / YleInvestigation ongoing

Police initially began investigating the incident as a case of manslaughter, but the investigation was upgraded to murder later in the day on Monday.

A police spokesperson told Yle that the suspected charge was upgraded because investigators believe the act was premeditated and involved brutal violence.

The police confirmed on Tuesday that Puhakka's partner had a permit in Norway to own a weapon and that they believe the firearm used in the killing was a shotgun intended for hunting.

Puhakka was found dead on Sunday evening at the semi-detached home in Espoo he had shared with his partner. Image: Silja Viitala / YlePolice to request suspect be remanded in custody

Finnish media has widely reported that Puhakka's Norwegian partner is currently in police custody.

Police confirmed to Yle on Tuesday that they will request the suspect be remanded into custody at a court hearing, the date and time of which is yet to be confirmed.

They added that the suspect will be interviewed again, and police also plan to speak with a number of witnesses.

Meanwhile, a technical investigation is being carried out at the scene, while investigating officers also seek to determine recent events in the couple's lives that led up to Sunday's suspected murder.

Yle understands that Puhakka's death was discovered on Sunday after a friend of the couple called the emergency services. The friend had come to the house to check on Puhakka because they had not been able to get in touch with him.