Murder of former ice hockey player Janne Puhakka by Norwegian Rolf Nordmo shocks community in Norway

The murder of former ice hockey player Janne Puhakka by Norwegian Rolf Nordmo has shocked those who knew him, according to interviews conducted by Norwegian newspaper VG. Friends of Nordmo spoke anonymously about their disbelief at the allegations against him.

Nordmo and Puhakka had been in a relationship for about ten years, which had been reported in the Norwegian media. Their relationship ended just a few weeks before the incident. One individual interviewed by VG expressed their shock, describing Nordmo as a “good and warm person.”

In police interrogations, Nordmo reportedly admitted to shooting Puhakka with a shotgun, resulting in the victim’s death. The lead investigator, Matti Högman, stated that the murder is being investigated due to its particularly brutal nature, noting that the level of violence used exceeded “what would have been necessary.”

An anonymous Norwegian journalist, who previously conducted a personal interview with Nordmo, also commented on the murder allegations, stating that he was taken aback by the news. This journalist described Nordmo as a pleasant family man who had come out and started a new life in Finland. “I was completely surprised when I learned of the case. I never would have guessed this would happen. It was a huge shock,” he remarked.

Another acquaintance, who knows Nordmo through work, characterized him as an affable individual, saying, “I couldn’t have imagined he would do something like this.” They noted Nordmo’s calm demeanor and good sense of humor, adding that he sometimes spoke too bluntly.

Police suspect that the motive for Puhakka’s murder may be linked to the end of their relationship. Rolf Nordmo is set to appear in court for a custody hearing on Wednesday in the West Uusimaa District Court.