Former hockey player Janne Puhakka died last month after being shot twice by his former partner, Norwegian veterinarian Rolf Nordmo, at the home they previously shared in Espoo, according to the police's latest information on the high-profile case.
Nordmo used a hunting gun to commit the crime, police added, which Finnish media has previously reported he had a permit to own.
Puhakka, the first Finnish ice hockey player to publicly reveal his homosexuality, was found dead at the semi-detached property in Espoo on Sunday 13 October. His body was discovered by a friend who went to the house after Puhakka failed to respond to calls and messages.
Police immediately suspected Nordmo of involvement in the killing, and the breakup of the relationship a few weeks previously is believed to be the motive.
Investigating officers have since revealed that Nordmo admitted to the killing — which police describe as deliberate and particularly brutal — during his interrogation, but Nordmo has denied the act was premeditated.
"The suspect denies any planning. I will not comment on any other details," Detective Inspector Matti Högman, who is leading the investigation, told Yle.
While the investigation is continuing, Högman said he is confident the pre-trial probe will be completed well before the end of February, when the deadline for filing charges is due.
Final episode of reality show broadcast on Sunday
Puhakka had been a contestant on the Finnish version of the widely-syndicated reality competition show The Traitors (Petolliset in Finnish).
Filming of the series was wrapped up earlier this year, but broadcaster Nelonen — which owns the rights to the show in Finland — postponed the airing of the season finale when news broke of Puhakka's death. The final episode had been due to air on Thursday 17 October, just a few days after Puhakka's body was found.
Nelonen however announced on Monday this week that the final episode of the show will air on Sunday 10 November at 9 pm. The decision to broadcast the episode was made following consultation with Puhakka's family, the statement said.
Yle revealed the identity of the suspect in the case because Nordmo had appeared alongside Puhakka in several domestic and international media interviews.
