Boyfriend of Finland's first openly gay hockey player and Traitors star could face MURDER charge over his death

The partner of Finland's first openly gay ice hockey player, who was shot twice, could face a murder charge. Janne Puhakka, 29, who starred in the Finnish version of the Traitors, died in his home he shared with his Norwegian veterinarian partner, Rolf Nordmo, 66, in Henttaa, Espoo, on 13 October last year. Investigators have now completed the preliminary probe into the suspected murder, and prosecutors will consider the charges next week, YLE reported.

Nordmo is said to have shot his ex-lover twice - who was 37 years his junior - with a hunting shotgun. The suspect admitted to being responsible for Puhakka's death during the preliminary investigation, but denies murder, according to the Finnish paper. Janne visited his former home to discuss the practical arrangements of the split with the veterinarian. When the hockey player arrived at the property, Nordmo allegedly grabbed the gun.

The former ice hockey player was shot twice in his chest shortly after he arrived at the Henttaa flat, investigators believe. Prosecutors will consider murder charges against Rolf Nordmo (pictured right) following the death of Finland's first openly gay ice hockey player, Janne Puhakka (pictured left). A friend of the former sportsman found him dead in the apartment – a visit made after Janne failed to respond to calls and messages.

Matti Högman, who is leading the police investigation, previously told the paper that Puhakka had moved out of their home after the relationship ended 'several weeks ago'. Högman added that violence was used 'more than necessary' in the death. Nordmo, who held a permit to possess a gun in Norway, is said to have to confessed to police about the murder. 'The suspect denies any planning. I will not comment on any other details,' Detective Inspector, who is leading the investigation, told YLE.

It comes after a former teammate of Finland's first openly gay ice hockey player, Janne Puhakka, broke his silence following Janne's murder. Starbulls goalkeeper Oskar Autio, 25, who previously played for the same Espoo team as Janne, said of the news: 'I was totally shocked. I think many people were.'. The 29-year-old Finnish Traitors star (pictured left) was allegedly shot twice in his chest with a hunting gun.

The former couple had a 37 year age gap in their relationship and kept their relationship a secret for years. Rolf Nordmo (pictured right) is said to have shot his former lover Janne Puhakka (pictured left), who was Finland's first openly gay ice hockey player, twice on 13 October. Talking to Footboom about Janne's death, Oskar said: 'I've never heard anyone say anything bad about him. He was just one of those guys you want on your hockey team.'.

Oskar added: 'It's very rare for something like this to happen in Finland. But it's even worse when it happens in your hometown and especially when it's someone you know.'. He also talked about Janne's decision to openly discuss his sexuality after his playing career, noting that the conversation can be a difficult one to navigate within the sporting world. Oskar affirmed his beliefs that anyone should be able to play sports regardless of their background and beliefs.

Elsewhere, tributes have flooded in for Janne, with the Finnish League for Human Rights, LGBTIQ-rights group Seta, and Helsinki Pride, organising a gathering on Monday to pay respects to the former ice hockey player. Crowds gathered at Helsinki's Senate Square to light candles in remembrance of the athlete. According to YLE, Tommy Lindgren, who works with the Human Rights League's sports branch, Team Human Rights, addressed the crowd, saying: 'He drew attention to the structure of sports organisations, and reminded sports clubs and federations about their responsibilities about human rights.'.

It comes after The Traitors Finland has postponed airing the final episode of the second series following the murder of Janne, who was previously a contestant. A friend of the former sportsman found Janne (seen with Rolf) dead in a Espoo apartment, according to media reports. Janne was a contestant on the pre-recorded second series of Finland's version of the show, and had reached the final alongside Green MP Fatim Diarra, YLE reported.

'We have come to the decision that right now is not the right time to show the episode. 'We will return to the question of the possible presentation of the episode later,' a spokesperson from The Traitors said, according to the Finnish publication. The 29-year-old functioned as a traitor in the final episode, working to trick the other players into winning the pot of cash. Janne, who played for Espoo Blues and Espoo United before ending his career at the end of the 2017–2018 season, met Nordmo in 2014 and quickly fell in love after chatting online for one week.