Latest news with #Keskinen
Hamilton Spectator
02-07-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Family of Sudbury murder victim wants ‘justice' not ‘vengeance'
Note: Aspects of this story might be disturbing to some readers. Felicity Altiman didn't just viciously stab Robert Keskinen to death, she sought to 'degrade, disfigure and dehumanize' him, a Crown prosecutor told the killer's sentencing hearing. Now 44, Altiman was convicted of second-degree murder last year. She received an automatic life sentence of 25 years; Justice R. Dan Cornell must now decide when Altiman becomes eligible for parole. Arriving in leg and arm restraints, Altiman sat quietly on Monday, through impact statements made by Edward Arnold Keskinen – older brother to the victim – and cousin Richard Allan Keller. Keller recounted how the victim was 'kind, considerate and well respected.' He called the murder in a Kathleen Street apartment 'vicious.' Edward Keskinen said his sibling was his 'best friend,' and that, at 75, was 'just starting to enjoy his retirement years,' though experiencing some health issues. Indeed, it was a change in health status that resulted in his move to the Donovan from his more rural life. 'I looked forward to his phone calls every Sunday. But these will never happen again. Never to say good-bye … we are not seeking vengeance, but justice. I continue to hear his voice,' the older Keskinen read from a prepared document. The murder took place at Christmas, and the body was discovered on Boxing Day 2020. Altiman was staying in the same building on Kathleen Street and knew Keskinen. Altiman called Bob Keskinen a friend, and they would often drink together. Blood and DNA evidence linked Altiman to the murder. Altiman has been in custody since her arrest on Jan. 7, 2021. Altiman stabbed Keskinen more than 100 times. A stab wound to his left anterior jugular vein was likely the fatal slash. She was 'not too exhausted' to stop, recounted the Crown attorney Kaely Whillans. It is what she did next that had Justice R. Dan Cornell asking why she would 'degrade, disfigure and dehumanize' the victim. She mutilated his genitals before removing them and inserting them into his throat. The coroner who testified at trial called the attack 'ferocious.' The word 'brutality' was repeated. That last act served no purpose but to dehumanize, said Whillans. Was Keskinen dead before this took place? Judge Cornell looked pained as he speculated. Altiman proceeded to take personal belongings from Keskinen's suite. She distributed goods to others in her circle. Altiman already had a long and violent criminal record before killing Keskinen. Altiman had 62 prior convictions, including disregard for court judgments and sentences. Whillans said there was no hope for Altiman to change her ways. She told the court that none of the mitigating factors in Altiman's history, 'no matter how horrible,' overshadow or diminish the acts she committed. Justice Cornell later added that the 'greatest predictor of the future is the past.' Citing the courses (including anger management) Altiman has taken, the programs she has been enrolled in, plus her near completion of a high school diploma (Altiman left Sudbury Secondary School in Grade 9), defence lawyer Steven M. Hinkson repeatedly referenced previous cases of stabbings from the library of Canadian cases. But none of those displayed the intensity of what Altiman carried out. More than 100 stab wounds far exceeds any other case. Hinkson also made frequent mention to the Gladue report done on Altiman, who is of Indigenous background (from Walpole Island First Nation). A Gladue report guides judges in determining sentences for Indigenous offenders. The report on Alitman examined her history and circumstances that may help explain what she did. Altiman's family had experienced residential schools, she had a prolonged period of being sexually abused (and held captive by her father for three years), has been engaged in prostitution, robbery, uttering threats, and had birthed two children during her teen years. Altiman's second child was placed in foster care, said the report. She experienced racial discrimination and, by 13, had experimented with, or been exposed to, drugs and alcohol. Altiman has held no real job, and is diagnosed as HIV positive. Previous attempts at sobriety have not been successful. Hinkson said there was no dispute that she had had 'a difficult life,' but in penitentiary and while on parole, she 'would have supports to help her deal with her demons' including depression and addictions. He said he believes she is willing and able to seek assistance. Ultimately - and when pushed by the judge to speak on when she should become eligible for parole - Hinkson said 12 to 15 years would be appropriate. Justice Cornell pressed: 'What do you say to the mutilation? I need to take the mutilation into account. Wouldn't 17 years be the starting point?' Earlier, the Crown called sentencing in this case 'a little complex' and not a clear path considering the nature of the offence. There was also a period of time where Altiman denied guilt and displayed no remorse. She was invited to speak. This day she stood, turned to the body of court and offered an apology with some emotion. She was asked afterwards to turn to face the judge and repeat her words. Whillans, the prosecutor, was not impressed, however. 'There is very little indication of possible rehabilitation,' said Whillans. As a result, the Crown requested life imprisonment without parole for 20 years to protect society. 'Separation' from society is needed because of the gravity of the offence, she said. The Crown spoke of many historic cases as guidance. This situation is 'much more grave than any of the cases I presented,' and Whillans used the word 'callousness' several times. During the trial, deliberations and conclusion, six of the jurors recommended it be 20 years before Altiman becomes eligible for parole. They also suggested she should provide a DNA sample and have no contact with Keskinen's family or friends when released. Justice Cornell did not immediately decide on parole. Instead, he asked the Crown and defence to provide a three-page, double-spaced submission on when Altiman should be eligible for parole by July 22. He will likely render his decision after Labour Day. The Local Journalism Initiative is made possible through funding from the federal government. Bluesky: @ X: @SudburyStar Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . 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Daily Record
28-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Topi Keskinen has Aberdeen transfer fate tackled by Dave Cormack with player trading model stance made crystal clear
The winger enjoyed a fine debut season in the Granite City and was recently tipped for a big move to Europe Dave Cormack has ruled out the prospect of Aberdeen selling Topi Keskinen this summer but admits the club will not hold him back if he wants to move onto bigger and better things down the line. The Dons shelled out nearly £1million to bring the Finland international to Pittodrie last summer from HJK, with the winger going onto register six goals and three assists in 45 appearances in all competitions and started in the shock Scottish Cup final victory over Celtic on penalties that handed the Reds the trophy at Hampden for the first time since 1990. Aberdeen have established a successful player trading in recent seasons that has seen them bank millions from the likes of Ylber Ramadani and Bojan Miovski, who were brought into the club from elsewhere then sold on for big profits. Keskinen caught the eye for Finland at the U21 European Championships earlier this month, so much so that pundits in his homeland reckon that clubs in Germany and the Netherlands will soon come knocking on Aberdeen's door. And while he insists Keskinen is a key man for Thelin and his team in the immediate future, chairman Cormack says the model in place could see the Dons cash in on the pacey wide man when the time is right. Speaking to Red TV, he said: "People want to come to Aberdeen now because they know they will get an opportunity to move onto a bigger club. We won't hold them back, within reason. "We demonstrated that with Bojan, Ross McCrorie, Lewis (Ferguson) and others. And Topi will be another one if he continues at this level. "But there is no way we are letting Topi go at this stage because he is a key player for us. Unless someone comes in and offers us £20million tomorrow!" Cormack, who along with fellow investors has just injected a further £8million into the club towards building a new indoor pitch at their Cormack Park training base, is also under no illusions that boss Thelin will attract interest from elsewhere if he can build on his successful debut season at Pittodrie. But the US-based business software tycoon is confident that the Swede is committed to the long-term plan in the Granite City. "He had the opportunity to go to the English Championship (before joining Aberdeen) and turned them down, where I am sure the wages and the rest of it would have been much, much higher. "He was looking for his first project overseas away from Sweden and he wanted it to be the right project. "He is here for the right reasons and is not a job-hopper. "As Jimmy continues with Aberdeen there is always going to be challenges keeping a successful manager. "But I don't think there will be any surprises with Jimmy. He is very team-orientated and inclusive. "It's about the team and not about him and his standards are exceptionally high."
Daily Record
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Aberdeen set for Ylber Ramadani transfer windfall as Topi Keskinen tipped for mega move
Keskinen's displays at the U21 European Championships have seen the winger win rave reviews Aberdeen could be in line to land a hefty transfer windfall from former midfielder Ylber Ramadani. That's according to reports in Italy, who claim that the Lecce star is a target for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ain. Ramadani has made 63 appearances in Serie A across the past two seasons and scored a vital goal in a 1-0 win against Torino last month that helped the Apulia side retain their place in the top tier for another year. PianettaLecce state that the Middle-Eastern club have opened talks with the Italian club over a potential deal and are reportedly willing to offer the Albania international a yearly salary of €1.2million (£1million) - which equates to around £19,230 a week. Aberdeen chiefs will be watching on with interest, having inserted a 10 per cent sell on clause into the £1.1million deal that took Ramadani to Italy in August 2023. The Dons also have a reported 20 per cent sell on clause on Bologna captain Lewis Ferguson. The Scotland star has been a revelation since his £3million switch from Pittodrie in 2022 and skippered his team to glory in the Coppa Italia last month. Ferguson has been constantly linked with several top sides in Serie A including Juventus and AC Milan and is said to be a summer target for Scudetto winners Napoli, where he could form an all-Scottish midfield with Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour. Elsewhere, Topi Keskinen has been tipped to make a big money move back to the continent in the next year or two. The pacy winger joined Aberdeen from HJK last summer for around £800,000 and finished the campaign with six goals and three assists in 45 appearances in all competitions. The Finland international started in the Dons' shock Scottish Cup final victory on penalties over Celtic that handed the club their first success in the competition in 35 years and ensured Jimmy Thelin's debut season at Pittodrie ended on a almighty high. That victory has also guaranteed Aberdeen's place in the group stages of a European competition, with the Premiership side falling into the revamped Conference League group section if they lose out in the Europa League play-off next month. Keskinen has been on international duty with Finland's U21 side at the European Championships in Slovakia and netted in two of his side's three group games. And while The young Eagle-owls failed to get out of their group, 22-year-old has won rave reviews for his performances, so much so that it has one Finnish pundit arguing that clubs in Germany or France might soon come calling for the wide man. Speaking to Ilta-Sanomat, football writer and UEFA B coaching license holder Tuukka Kotimäki said: "Keskinen won't be playing in Scotland for long at this rate. He is an exceptional Finnish player thanks to his speed. "I wouldn't be surprised if he moves to a bigger league within a year or two. For example, the German and Dutch leagues could suit his straightforwardness." Fellow pundit and former Livingston and Morton player Marko Rajamäki added: "It was already clear that he is a player of the Huuhkajie level. He was our best player in this tournament, which is of course not a surprise."
Scottish Sun
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Scottish Premiership star earning rave reviews at the Euro under-21 champs as he bags second goal and gets POTM award
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ABERDEEN winger Topi Keskinen rounded off a remarkable season personally by scoring in Finland's final game at the Under 21 Euro Championships and being named player of the match. Finland came from two goals down to earn a point against Denmark as they finished the competition with a flourish. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Topi Keskinen in action for Finland at the U21 Euros Credit: Getty 3 Keskinen scored in a man of the match performance against Denmark Credit: Getty 3 Keskinen helped Aberdeen lift the Scottish Cup to end 35-year wait Credit: Alamy Two commendable draws against Denmark and the Netherlands and a defeat to Ukraine saw the Fins finish bottom of their group. But Keskinen can be proud of his performances at the tournament in Slovakia after a marathon-long campaign and can now enjoy some deserved rest. The 22-year-old struck twice in three games in the competition, with his final goal coming against the Danes and his display earning him player of the match. The UEFA Technical Observer Group said: "Keskinen produced a very positive and confident performance. "And was always the player who looked the most likely to create and score for his team throughout the game, his display capped with a wonderful strike for Finland's second." It was a short free kick laid off to him, which he drilled past the goalkeeper from outside the box. After the match, Keskinen said: "It always feels good to score goals – that is my favourite part, and winning. "I know we got a draw and I am happy to score a goal especially in front of those Finland fans, who made this tournament an unbelievable experience.' It brings to an end a tremendous season, which for him actually started more than a year ago. Keskinen played several games for HJK Helsinki beginning in April 2024, before switching to Pittodrie at the start of last season in August, in a deal worth around £900,000. Moment Aberdeen new boy Keskinen pulls on OWL MASK and flaps his arms like bird of prey He would then go on to play 45 times for the Dons across all competitions, culminating in their historic Scottish Cup victory over Celtic at Hampden in May. He also won the club's Young Player of the Year. While most of Jimmy Thelin's men would have enjoyed the celebrations and time on the beach, any thoughts of switching off for Keskinen were swiftly put to one side as he prepared for the Euro championships. And he did not take long to make an impression there, scoring in their opening match against the Netherlands to give them a shock 2-0 lead. A disappointing defeat to Ukraine would follow in the second group game but Keskinen bounced back against Denmark. It was his 69th and final game in what has been a long, long season but one he will never forget. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Press and Journal
04-06-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Aberdeen winger Topi Keskinen lifts lid on mammoth 18-month season - that will continue with Euro under-21 finals this month
Aberdeen winger Topi Keskinen is determined to end a mammoth 18-month long season by becoming a history maker with Finland. Keskinen is set to star for his nation in the UEFA European under-21 Championship that runs in Slovakia from June 11 to 28. The 22-year-old has been recalled from the senior squad for the Euro U21 finals because the tournament has immense significant for the Finns. It is only the second time Finland have reached the Euro U21 finals, with the previous appearance in 2009. Participation in the Euros further extends Keskinen's gruelling season that began in January last year with HJK Helsinki. He enters the Euros on a high having helped Aberdeen secure Scottish Cup glory with a win against Celtic in the final. Keskinen has played 71 games without a break and admits that relentless schedule is tiring, more emotionally and physically. However, he is fired up for one last push to add international glory to his Scottish Cup winning triumph. He said: 'I knew I was going to have a long season when I didn't get sold in the January transfer window last year. 'I thought 'now I'm in Helsinki and the target is to go in the summer'. 'I have played for one-and-a-half years now but that is just professional football. 'When you have so many games you don't have that much time to think about it. 'I just had to make sure that I recovered well from the different games. 'I'll have a few days off and then I have the Euros. 'I think mentally it's even harder than physically.' Keskinen's season began in January last year when competing in the Finnish Cup. The winger had only a month off having competed in the UEFA Conference League group stages until late December. He faced Aberdeen home and away during that group stage in 2023, starting a 2-2 draw in Finland on November 30. Keskinen played 22 games for HJK Helsinki in the new Finnish season before an £860,000 transfer to Aberdeen last summer. The winger's final appearance for HJK Helsinki was when starting a 3-0 win against AC Oulu in the Veikkausliiga on July 27. His debut for Aberdeen was on August 17 when coming off the bench to score a stoppage time winner in a 1-0 League Cup win against Queen's Park. Keskinen said: 'We had a longer season with HJK Helsinki because we were in the group stages (Conference League). 'We were still playing in the group stages when all the other teams were back from their holidays. 'Helsinki came back in January, so I had some of December off.' Finland will kick-start their Euro U21 campaign with a group clash against Netherlands at the Košická Futbalová arena on June 12. They also face Ukraine and Denmark in Group D with the final match on June 18. Should Finland progress from the groups the quarter-finals are on June 21 and 22. The semi-finals are on June 25 with the final set for three days later. Aberdeen return for pre-season training in late June in preparation for a campaign with guaranteed European league action. Keskinen said: 'I'm likely to get extra time off (by Aberdeen) having been involved at the Euros. 'It depends how far we get. 'But when you play 18 months of football in a row, you don't really need a full pre-season.' Keskinen played a key role in Finland's qualification campaign in Group E for the Euro U21 finals. During that campaign the winger broke into the Finland senior squad. He made his senior debut when introduced off the bench in a 3-0 Nations League loss to Greece on September 7. His first start for Finland came three days later in a 2-0 Nations League loss to England at Wembley. Capped four times Keskinen was recalled to the under-21 squad because success in the tournament means so much to the nation. He said: 'It's only the second time in Finnish history we've had a team in the Euro under-21 finals. 'This is a really big thing for Finnish football culture. 'We have a really good team and want to go through from the group. 'My friend Jukka Raitala who was a teammate at Helsinki is 36 now. 'He was in the team the last time Finland were in the under-21 Euros, so it's been a while.'
