The man accused of murdering his Miss Switzerland finalist wife and allegedly disposing of her body with a blender has had his self-defence claim rejected by prosecutors, who assert there was no knife attack as he described.
Prosecution's Case Against Self-Defence
Marc Rieben, 43, is on trial for the 2024 murder of Kristina Joksimovic. He claimed she threatened him with a knife during a divorce dispute, but prosecutors say forensic evidence disproves this. During Tuesday's trial, the prosecutor stated that a minor injury on Rieben's jaw was not caused by the alleged kitchen knife, and no defensive wounds were found on the victim. The claim that Kristina was still holding the knife when killed was deemed impossible.
The prosecutor also highlighted Rieben's history of domestic violence, including physical abuse throughout his marriage and an allegation from an ex-girlfriend that he ran over her foot with a car.
Rieben's Statement and Psychological Profile
On Monday, Rieben addressed the court, tearfully claiming he loved Kristina and that her death was an accident, though he admitted grabbing her throat. He said, 'I loved my wife with all my heart... What I did is absolutely unforgivable.' Court-appointed expert Professor Frank Urbaniok diagnosed Rieben with narcissistic traits and obsessive-compulsive disorder, noting his 'almost meticulous precision' after the murder, including going out for dinner with their children. Urbaniok stated he had never seen such a case in 33 years and warned of a significant potential for reoffending.
Details of the Crime and Trial
The murder occurred in February 2024 in Binnigen, near Basel. Rieben allegedly used a jigsaw, knife, and garden shears on Kristina's body before liquidising her remains in a blender. He is also charged with desecration of a corpse. The motive is believed to be his refusal to divorce. Kristina's father discovered parts of her body after she failed to collect the children.
Rieben has offered £94,218 to the victims' families as a gesture of remorse. The trial, which excludes the public due to graphic details, is expected to last a week, with a verdict on May 13. Rieben denies all charges.
