Former model and Miss Switzerland finalist Kristina Joksimovic, 38, was allegedly strangled to death and dismembered by her husband, Thomas, 41, in their home in Binningen, Switzerland, on February 13, 2024. Thomas reportedly confessed to the crime during a reconstruction in March 2024, claiming self-defence after an alleged attack by Joksimovic.
Background
Kristina Joksimovic, a finalist in the 2007 Miss Switzerland competition, was found dead in her home, with her remains reportedly chopped up, “pureed” in a blender, and dissolved in a chemical solution. The couple shared two daughters. Thomas initially claimed he found his wife dead by the stairs but later changed his story, stating she attacked him with a knife.
Husband admitted to the killing
According to Swiss news outlet BZ Basel, Thomas confessed to killing his wife during a crime reconstruction. Due to Swiss privacy laws, he is referred to by a pseudonym. Thomas was arrested the day after Joksimovic’s body was found. He initially told investigators he discovered her body in their laundry room and dismembered it in a panic.
Autopsy report
An autopsy revealed that Joksimovic died from strangulation, with reddish marks on her neck. Her body showed signs of blunt force trauma, struggle, cuts on her face, bruises, and some hair ripped out. Thomas allegedly broke her hip joints and removed bones from her left upper arm, forearms, and right lower leg. Her body was dismembered with a jigsaw, knife, and garden shears. He further mutilated her body with an industrial blender and dissolved the parts in a chemical solution. Investigators found numerous skin flaps and muscle pieces, some with attached bones.
Possibly had a mental disorder
The Swiss court noted that Thomas refused to give them access to his phone, which could contain more evidence. This refusal has hindered necessary environmental investigations, posing a considerable risk of collusion. The court also pointed out signs of deliberate mutilation or ritualised degradation, suggesting Thomas might suffer from a mental disorder. A former partner of Thomas testified that he had used “massive violence” on her on several occasions.
Joksimovic wanted to leave him
A source close to Joksimovic told news outlet 20 Minuten that she was planning to leave Thomas but was afraid of him. Weeks before her death, she posted images of her and her husband on vacation at Lake Lucerne. Joksimovic had won the Miss Northwest Switzerland pageant in 2003 and was a finalist in the 2007 Miss Switzerland competition.
Related events
The case has shocked the local community and raised questions about domestic violence and mental health. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Joksimovic’s death, and further developments are expected as more evidence is uncovered. The tragic incident underscores the importance of addressing domestic violence and providing support for those in abusive relationships.
