A Swiss court in Muttenz has begun hearing a chilling murder case centered on the death of former Miss Switzerland finalist Kristina Joksimovic, who prosecutors say was killed and dismembered at the family’s home in Binningen in February 2024. The 43-year-old husband, who remains in custody, is charged with murder and “disturbing the peace of the dead,” according to a press release from the Basel-Landschaft public prosecutor's office. Some English-language outlets have identified him as Marc Rieben, although the official statement did not name the suspect; those details were carried in coverage by WTTE / MyFox28 and other outlets.
Prosecutors’ Account Of The Killing
In court filings and public statements, prosecutors laid out a graphic and tightly detailed narrative. They allege that Joksimovic was first strangled, then dismembered in the couple’s laundry room using a jigsaw, a knife and garden shears. Parts of her remains were allegedly processed in an industrial blender and treated with chemicals. According to the case summary, family and nursery staff raised the alarm when they became worried about Joksimovic’s whereabouts, prompting her father to search the home, where he is said to have discovered body parts. Investigators later reported finding a blender and tissue fragments at the scene, details covered in reporting by Gulf News.
Defendant’s Story Versus Forensic Evidence
Court documents and media coverage describe a series of shifting explanations from the accused. He initially claimed he had simply found his wife dead, then later said he had acted in self-defence. Filings note that his statements to investigators changed over time. Forensic experts, however, concluded that the medical evidence points to strangulation as the cause of death and does not support the self-defence version the defendant later put forward. English-language reports that reviewed the autopsy findings and court papers have highlighted these contradictions and the forensic conclusions, as summarized by The Independent.
Trial Opens In Muttenz
The trial opened this week at the Muttenz court, where prosecutors are expected to walk the judges through forensic reports and call witnesses over several days. Local outlets have tracked the case from the early stages, including earlier rulings that rejected the defendant’s bids to be released from pretrial detention. International publications following the proceedings have also outlined the projected timetable and structure of the hearings; VT.co reported on the launch of the trial and the scheduling.
Shock Waves Through Fashion And Pageant Circles
Beyond the courtroom, the killing has rattled Switzerland’s modeling and pageant scene. Friends, colleagues and former contestants have spoken of Joksimovic as a warm-hearted coach and devoted mother. Former Miss Switzerland Christa Rigozzi and others posted public tributes and expressed particular concern for Joksimovic’s two young daughters, who, according to relatives, are now being cared for within the family. International coverage has chronicled both the emotional outpouring and the family’s situation, including reporting by The Independent.
Charges, Possible Penalties And Next Steps
The indictment lists two main offenses: murder and disturbing the peace of the dead. Under Swiss criminal law, a murder conviction can result in a lengthy prison sentence, although the exact term, if any, would be set by the court at the end of the proceedings. Prosecutors have indicated that they will not provide additional details about the investigation while the trial is in progress. Both local reporting and international roundups, including coverage by WTTE / MyFox28, have outlined the charges and the legal stakes.
As the Muttenz court continues to hear witness testimony and expert forensic analysis, authorities have publicly reminded both media and residents that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The Basel-Landschaft public prosecutor's office has reiterated that it will not release further information about the investigation while the case is before the court.
