A shocking murder case in Switzerland has captivated the country as details emerge about the death of 38-year-old model and former Miss Switzerland finalist, Kristina Joksimovic. Kristina was allegedly strangled, dismembered, and pureed by her husband, referred to by the pseudonym “Thomas” in local media. Her body was discovered in February in Binningen, near Basel. Thomas, 41, recently had his appeal for release rejected by the Federal Court in Lausanne after admitting to the killing.
Thomas claimed self-defense, alleging Kristina attacked him with a knife, prompting him to strangle her and dismember her body in a panic. Investigators, however, dispute his version of events, citing “sadistic-sociopathic traits” and his “lack of empathy.” A forensic report also contradicts his self-defense claims. After strangling her, he allegedly dismembered her body using a jigsaw, knife, and garden shears, and then attempted to destroy evidence by using a blender to puree parts of her remains.
Kristina, a mother of two, had transitioned from modeling to coaching after winning Miss Northwest Switzerland in 2003 and becoming a finalist in the 2008 Miss Switzerland competition. She trained aspiring models, including Lorena Santen, the 2023 Miss Switzerland winner, and had a successful career in IT recruitment. Friends and fellow contestants expressed shock and sadness following her death. Many described Kristina as a kind-hearted woman who left a positive impact on everyone she met.
The couple had been married since 2017 and lived in a semi-detached house in an affluent area of Basel. However, their relationship had reportedly been in crisis for months, with police previously being called to the home over allegations of physical violence. Just weeks before her death, Kristina had posted about a couple’s getaway on Instagram, giving no indication of the tragedy that was about to unfold.
Kristina’s death has left the Swiss community reeling, with former Miss Switzerland contestants, models, and friends sharing their disbelief and sorrow over the brutal murder. Swiss actress Miriam Rickli and other notable figures have expressed their condolences, remembering Kristina as a beautiful and generous person. The couple’s two daughters, now left without their mother, remain at the center of the tragedy.
