A hunter found a body in the woods near Luumäki several weeks ago. Police suspect the remains belong to a 62-year-old woman who disappeared in August. Authorities now believe she fell victim to a homicide.
The discovery has sparked widespread discussion across the region. Rumors continue to circulate among local residents.
Southeast Finland Police refuse to comment on the possible identification. They also won't discuss the homicide investigation.
"This is a sensitive time. We cannot say anything right now," said Criminal Commissioner Petri Korpisammal in a brief statement.
According to Korpisammal, earlier requests for information about the missing woman remain active.
Police first announced their homicide suspicion on Wednesday, October 1. At that time, they asked the public for information about a dark Toyota Avensis station wagon.
They renewed this request about one week later.
"We also ask anyone with game cameras in the area to check their footage," Korpisammal stated. "Please notify police if the vehicle appears on any recordings."
The woman originally vanished in August. Police first requested information about her disappearance in September.
At that time, authorities had not yet suspected homicide. They had not announced any such suspicion to the public.
Police now suspect the woman's 57-year-old husband of killing her. The South Karelia District Court ordered the man's arrest on October 3.
According to available information, the suspect has had previous encounters with law enforcement. He has no prior convictions for serious crimes.
The court previously convicted him of approaching a different woman against a restraining order. That victim believed the man wanted to change partners and make her "his own."
The situation turned threatening last December when he entered her apartment. The woman said he put her phone on mute so she couldn't call for help.
The district court banned him from approaching that woman until next January.
This case reveals how domestic situations can escalate dangerously over time. The suspect's pattern of controlling behavior appears to have culminated in the ultimate tragedy.