Kristina Joksimovic and husband Marc Rieben (Image: undefined)
A former Miss Switzerland finalist was allegedly murdered by her husband, who prosecutors claim removed her womb and “pureed her limbs” in a blender after she requested a divorce.
The shocking incident allegedly took place in February 2024, when Marc Rieben is accused of killing his wife, former beauty pageant contestant and catwalk coach Kristina Joksimovic, at their residence overlooking the hills of Binningen near Basel.
Rieben is scheduled to appear in a Swiss court on Monday as the murder trial commences.
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The husband, who was a volunteer with a scout group, is accused of beating and strangling Joksimov, a mother of two, in a violent outburst. Prior to the fatal attack, Rieben allegedly demanded full-time custody of their two children and refused any financial support to her during their separation discussions.
During the incident, Rieben allegedly seized his wife by the throat and violently pushed her against a wall. He then grabbed a “ribbon-like object” and strangled her to death.
Kristina Joksimovic with her husband and two kids (Image: undefined)
The model’s body displayed evidence of blunt force trauma, and there were bruises on her legs and cuts on her face, according to the autopsy. Portions of her body had also been removed and “pureed” in an industrial blender.
The incident was characterized as a “deliberate mutilation or ritualized degradation of the body,” according to investigators.
Rieben allegedly dismembered his wife’s body using garden shears, a knife, and a jigsaw. Authorities report that YouTube videos were playing during the disturbing incident.
Joksimovic’s dismembered remains were discovered by her father, who went searching for her after she failed to collect her daughter from kindergarten, prompting alarm from her parents.
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Kristina Joksimovic, former beauty pageant queen and catwalk coach (Image: undefined)
The father arrived at Joksimovic’s residence, where Rieben claimed ignorance of her whereabouts. He welcomed the father inside, conversing with him for hours and preparing him dinner. Eventually, Rieben and Kristina’s mother had a phone conversation, which gave the father an opportunity to search the house and make his way to the basement.
In the disturbing basement, he discovered a black bin bag containing strands of blonde hair. “When he opened the black bin bag, he saw her cut off head with the hair still attached,” a family friend revealed.
He then fled the house, screaming until a neighbor alerted the police. According to the father, Rieben appeared emotionless when arrested, asserting he dismembered her in “self-defense.”
The killing is believed to have taken place amid multiple instances of abuse. Despite this, on social media, Joksimovic portrayed an image of a contented couple. Indeed, just four weeks prior to her death, she posted photos of a “couple’s getaway,” showcasing a luxurious hotel overlooking Lake Lucerne and snowy landscapes.
Kristina Joksimovic (Image: undefined)
Prior to Rieben’s murder trial, several of Kristina’s closest friends have disclosed more personal details regarding their relationship.
“‘She was really in love at the beginning, but I was a bit surprised when she got into a relationship with him as he didn’t suit her at all,” one told the Daily Mail. “He came across as really introverted, very critical and sometimes quite arrogant.
“He was really derogatory with her, with gestures, words and even his tone… he wanted Kristina to disappear,” the friend continued.
The former Miss Switzerland finalist also allegedly informed friends that her relationship was deteriorating. She attempted to persuade him to attend couple’s therapy, but he either departed halfway through sessions, or simply declined to show up, friends revealed.
Joksimovic even had to contact the police on one occasion, because Rieben was violent and threatening, they noted. One of her friends also claimed he “hates feminity”, after refusing to let their kids wear “feminine clothing.”
The model’s parents have not issued any public statement regarding the murder, but they have reportedly undergone intensive psychiatric treatment after discovering their daughter’s lifeless body.
The prominent murder trial is anticipated to span five-and-a-half days in Muttenz, Switzerland.
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