Warning: This article contains graphic details and discussion of domestic violence which some readers may find distressing.
The husband of a Miss Switzerland finalist has been formally charged with her murder after an extensive criminal investigation, according to officials.
Kristina Joksimovic, a prominent model in Switzerland, was discovered deceased in her residence in February of the previous year. She was 38 at that time.
Residing in Binningen, a town located just south of Basel near the borders with France and Germany, Joksimovic was found lifeless on February 13 by her father.
Her death initiated a criminal investigation, leading to the arrest of her husband, referred to as Thomas in the media, as the primary suspect.
Officials initially alleged that Thomas strangled Kristina, then dismembered her body into small pieces and blended them.
An autopsy report, cited by Mail Online, claims the victim’s husband used a jigsaw knife and garden shears to mutilate her. He allegedly removed her womb, which was the only organ cut from her torso, and proceeded to puree her body parts in an industrial blender and dissolve some parts in a chemical solution.
The report also suggests that the suspect watched videos on YouTube during this gruesome ordeal.
More than a year later, the Basel-Landschaft Public Prosecutor’s Office announced that Thomas, 43, now faces murder charges as the investigation has been concluded.
A press release stated: “The Basel-Landschaft Public Prosecutor’s Office has concluded its criminal investigation into the suspected homicide in Binningen on February 13, 2024.
“Based on the results of the criminal investigation, the Basel-Landschaft public prosecutor’s office assumes that the accused murdered his wife (age at the time of the crime: 38 years, nationality: Swiss) in their shared residence in Binningen.
“The public prosecutor’s office is not releasing any further details regarding the circumstances of the crime.”
In the initial stages of the investigation, family members expressed concern after the victim’s children’s nursery contacted Joksimovic’s parents, stating they had not heard from her.
Worried, her parents went to visit Joksimovic’s home, only to find Thomas present.
According to the parents, Thomas claimed ignorance about Joksimovic’s whereabouts.
A friend of Joksimovic told MailOnline: “For hours, he pretended as if nothing was wrong, chatting to her father and making dinner for everyone before tucking the children into their beds.”
The father, dissatisfied with Thomas’s explanation, searched the house and eventually discovered Joksimovic’s head in a bin bag.
The friend added: “When he opened the black bin bag, he saw her cut off head with the hair still attached.”
After making the grim discovery, the father reportedly fled the property, screaming, and asked a passerby to call the police.
Thomas remains in police custody, and a trial date is yet to be scheduled.
Authorities have stressed that the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence 24 hours a day to the national domestic violence helpline on 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) 24/7. You can find a list of local resources here.