A man facing allegations of killing his spouse, a former finalist of the Miss Switzerland pageant, expressed his affection for her during a murder trial.

The accused, Marc Rieben, 43, supposedly used various tools to harm his wife, Kristina Joksimovic, including a knife, jigsaw tool, and garden shears, and reportedly processed her remains in a blender.

In court, Rieben tearfully claimed that Kristina’s death was accidental and professed his profound love for her. The father of two is standing trial for the murder of his wife, who was 38 years old at the time of the incident in February 2024, with a potential life sentence looming if convicted.

During the trial’s commencement, Rieben acknowledged his love for his wife but admitted to her tragic demise, expressing deep remorse and taking full accountability for his actions.

He recounted that despite frequent arguments, they shared a passionate bond. Rieben admired Kristina for her entrepreneurial achievements and noted that they had sought counseling since 2018, even though they had been married since 2017.

In a surprising move, Rieben disclosed that he provided financial support to his children and Kristina’s parents, expressing a desire for them to find solace and positivity in their lives.

When questioned about the timing of his monetary gesture, Rieben explained that it was his first opportunity to connect with the grieving family and emphasized that the offer was a genuine display of support.

The tragic incident occurred in Binnigen, a serene village near Basel, where Kristina’s father found her dismembered body after she failed to attend to her children.

Allegedly, the motive behind the brutal act was Kristina’s request for a divorce, which her husband vehemently opposed. Prosecutors claimed that Rieben subjected Kristina to physical violence, resulting in a harrowing and painful demise.

The prosecution further asserted that the accused acted deliberately and selfishly, driven by a desire for dominance, resentment, and vengeance.

Due to privacy laws in Switzerland, the individuals involved have been identified as Thomas L and Ivana L in local media reports. The trial is ongoing with no definitive conclusion date set.