A man allegedly killed his former Miss Switzerland wife after she expressed her desire for a divorce, according to reports. Marc Rieben, 43, reportedly insisted on full custody of their two children and refused to provide financial support to his wife, Kristina Joksimovic, during their separation discussions. This occurred in the context of ongoing abuse, with friends of Kristina mentioning a history of violence directed at her.
The tragic incident took place in February 2024, where Rieben is accused of murdering Kristina in a fit of anger. Subsequently, he dismembered her body and even processed some parts in an industrial blender, as revealed by the autopsy report. The examination of Kristina’s remains indicated signs of physical trauma, including bruises on her legs, facial cuts, and hair loss.
Reportedly, the murder occurred following a dispute over their divorce proceedings. The conflict escalated, leading Rieben to strangle Kristina to death with a ribbon-like object. After the fatal act, he allegedly used garden shears, a knife, and a jigsaw to dismember her body, with YouTube videos playing in the background during the gruesome act.
Investigators have also alleged that Rieben deliberately removed Kristina’s womb, characterizing it as a deliberate act of mutilation or ritualized degradation. As Rieben’s trial approaches, close friends of Kristina have shared insights into the troubled relationship, describing Rieben as critical, arrogant, and derogatory towards her.
Friends revealed that Kristina had attempted to salvage the relationship by suggesting couples therapy, but Rieben either left the sessions prematurely or refused to participate. There were instances where Kristina had to involve the police due to Rieben’s violent behavior and threats, with reports suggesting his aversion to femininity, even restricting their children from wearing feminine attire.
The grim discovery of Kristina’s remains was made by her father in the basement of their home in Basel, after she failed to pick up their children from kindergarten. Rieben initially claimed ignorance about her whereabouts but allowed her father to inspect the house. Eventually, Kristina’s father found her severed head in a black bin bag in the basement.
Rieben later claimed self-defense as the reason for the killing, stating that he mutilated her body in a panicked state. However, a forensic psychologist dismissed his assertion, highlighting that most victims of sudden attacks would immediately contact the authorities. The trial is scheduled to commence in Muttenz, Switzerland, lasting approximately five-and-a-half days.