A Swiss man has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his wife, Kristina Joksimovic, a former Miss Switzerland finalist. Marc Rieben, 42, was found guilty of killing the 38-year-old mother of two in their home near Basel in February 2024.
According to court documents, Rieben strangled Joksimovic before dismembering her body. He then used a blender to dispose of some body parts. The crime came to light after Rieben reported his wife missing, but inconsistencies in his story led police to investigate further.
During the trial, prosecutors described the murder as particularly brutal and premeditated. Rieben showed little remorse in court. The defense argued that Rieben suffered from a mental disorder, but the court rejected this claim, citing expert testimony that he was fully responsible for his actions.
The case has shocked Switzerland, where violent crimes are rare. Joksimovic was a well-known figure in the country, having been a finalist in the Miss Switzerland pageant in 2007. She later worked as a model and businesswoman.
Rieben's life sentence means he will serve at least 15 years before being eligible for parole. The verdict was handed down on May 12, 2026, in a court in Basel.
