Rolf Nordmo trial in Helsinki: witnesses described man's distressed state
In the Court of Appeal hearing of Janne Puhakka's murder, six witnesses testified who described Nordmo's grief and anger following the separation.
Six witnesses describe Nordmo's mental state on the day of the killing
The murder trial of Janne Puhakka, 29, continued in the Helsinki Court of Appeal on Wednesday 2 September with the hearing of witnesses. Iltalehti followed the proceedings in which two police officers, two doctors, a neighbour and a mutual friend were called to the courtroom. Rolf Nordmo, 68, sentenced to life imprisonment as the ex-spouse, is demanding that the murder charge be dismissed.
Puhakka's long-time friend said he encountered Nordmo on the day known as the day of the killing shortly after 11 o'clock. According to the friend, Nordmo was holding back his tears.
– He was distressed by what had happened. I could see that he had somewhat tears in his eyes.
The ex-couple's neighbour bumped into Nordmo in the yard a couple of hours later. The Norwegian opened up to his neighbour about the ended relationship.
– He was extremely distraught, the woman described. – He was angry, but I didn't think he was aggressive.
According to the woman, Nordmo was furious when he heard of Puhakka's infidelity. She quoted Nordmo: "I can't believe Janne did this to me."
Police: suspect told of weapon and two shots
The arresting police officer told the Court of Appeal that the emergency centre passed on the call as urgent. Paramedics had gone to the flat, found the deceased and the weapon, after which they withdrew.
– They had realised that there's a homicide happening here, the police officer described.
After some time, Nordmo stepped out of the flat and surrendered. He told police that inside there was "his dead boyfriend" and a dog. Nordmo's gaze was glazed, his voice clear.
– The impression came across that a sad man was there telling of a serious deed.
Nordmo repeated to police that the ten-year relationship had been wiped away in an instant. He also described the violence to police in detail.
– He said he had shot twice and struck with the weapon in such a way that the weapon's stock was broken.
Background: murder in Henttaala, Espoo in October 2024
Janne Puhakka, known as an ice hockey player, died in Henttaala, Espoo on Sunday 13 October 2024. Nordmo shot him twice with a shotgun into the hallway of the former family home, after which he beat Puhakka to death by striking him with the metal barrel of the weapon approximately ten times. Puhakka was completely defenceless.
The relationship, which had lasted over ten years, had ended just over three weeks earlier on Puhakka's initiative. According to those close to him, Nordmo did not accept the separation.
The District Court of Western Uusimaa sentenced Nordmo to life imprisonment for murder on 1 April 2025. The district court found the act to be exceptionally brutal, but not exceptionally cruel or premeditated in a deliberate manner. The prosecution had requested a sentence for murder committed in an exceptionally cruel manner.
Nordmo appealed his sentence to the Helsinki Court of Appeal. The third day of proceedings was entirely spent hearing witnesses, and the hearing continues for a further two days next week. The Court of Appeal will issue its judgement later.
Source: Iltalehti