Eastern Uusimaa Police have taken an exceptional step in a homicide investigation. They publicly released the name and photograph of a woman found dead in Nurmijärvi last Saturday. The victim has been identified as 31-year-old Katja Sofia Mäkinen. Police received permission from family members before sharing this sensitive information.
Investigators describe Mäkinen as petite, approximately 162 centimeters tall and weighing about 47 kilograms. Lead investigator Detective Chief Inspector Sanna Rentola noted an important detail in a police bulletin. The victim recently had short, dark hair, different from the published photograph. Police believe she frequently moved around Helsinki's Kurvi area before her death.
A passerby discovered Mäkinen's body in a ditch along a road leading to the Rudus gravel pit. The location sits about two meters below road level in a depression. Police tape marked the area when investigators returned on Sunday. What initially appeared as an unclear death case has now become a confirmed homicide investigation.
Rentola confirmed to media that no suspect has been apprehended yet. She made the decision to release the victim's identity after consulting with Mäkinen's relatives today. The detective chief inspector refused to elaborate on the reasoning behind this unusual step. She stated the justification relates so directly to investigation details that public disclosure could compromise the case.
Finnish police rarely release names and photographs of homicide victims. This departure from standard procedure suggests investigators face particular challenges. They might need public assistance to trace Mäkinen's recent movements or identify potential witnesses. The unusual disclosure could indicate limited investigative leads or particular urgency in developing information.
Police continue requesting tips about Mäkinen and people she associated with recently. They ask anyone with information to contact the police tip line at 0295 436442. Alternative contact methods include WhatsApp at 050 3999026 or email at vakivalta.ita-uusimaa@poliisi.fi.
The investigation continues focusing on the Rudus area where the body was found. Rudus Oy produces stone-based construction materials like concrete and aggregates. The company's gravel pit sits at the end of a sand road branching from Haavistontie road.
Rentola declined to comment on several key aspects of the case. She wouldn't speculate about possible connections to organized crime or other criminal activity. The investigator also avoided questions about the method of killing or whether the murder occurred elsewhere. This careful approach suggests police maintain specific theories they cannot yet reveal publicly.
This case highlights the balance Finnish police strike between public transparency and investigative integrity. While unusual, the identity release demonstrates law enforcement's adaptability when facing difficult homicide investigations. The decision reflects both respect for family wishes and practical investigative needs in a challenging case.