Court Case Begins for Marc Rieben Regarding the Murder of Kristina Joksimovic

May 3, 2026, 20:15
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Introduction

Marc Rieben is expected to appear before the Basel-Landschaft Criminal Court. He faces charges for the killing and dismemberment of his wife, Kristina Joksimovic, in February 2024.

Main Body

The incident happened on February 13, 2024, after an argument about their divorce. According to the public prosecutor, the fight started during a discussion about child custody and financial support. Prosecutors claim that Rieben strangled Joksimovic using a ribbon-like object. Evidence from the scene showed signs of a violent struggle, including blunt force trauma. After the death, the defendant used a jigsaw, knife, and garden shears to cut up the body in a basement laundry room. Forensic experts found that he used an industrial blender and chemicals to destroy parts of the remains. Furthermore, evidence shows that the defendant watched YouTube videos while performing these acts. The victim's father eventually found the remains after Rieben pretended he did not know where his wife was for several hours. Psychological experts describe Rieben as having narcissistic and sociopathic traits, meaning he has a strong need for power and a lack of empathy. Although the defendant claimed he acted in self-defense during a knife attack, experts have rejected this claim. They emphasized that the organized way he disposed of the body shows a calculated plan to hide evidence rather than a reaction of panic. Additionally, witnesses described a history of domestic violence and controlling behavior toward his children.

Conclusion

The trial is scheduled to start on May 4 at the Basel-Landschaft Criminal Court, and a verdict is expected by May 13.

Learning

🧠 The 'B2 Logic Jump': Moving from Simple Descriptions to Complex Claims

At the A2 level, you describe what happened. At the B2 level, you describe how someone claims it happened and why they believe it. This is the difference between a basic story and a professional report.

🛠️ The 'Claim' Toolkit

In the text, we don't just see facts; we see allegations. Look at these three distinct ways the author handles information:

  1. The Assertion: "Prosecutors claim that..."
  2. The Evidence: "Evidence showed signs of..."
  3. The Rejection: "Experts have rejected this claim."

Why this matters for you: If you only use "He said" or "I think," you sound like a beginner. To reach B2, you must use verbs that show the status of the information.

⚡ Precision Vocabulary Shift

Stop using general words. Look at how the text replaces 'common' A2 words with 'precise' B2 words:

  • Instead of 'bad person' →\rightarrow "narcissistic and sociopathic traits"
  • Instead of 'planned' →\rightarrow "calculated plan"
  • Instead of 'cut' →\rightarrow "dismemberment"
  • Instead of 'said' →\rightarrow "emphasized"

📐 Grammar Bridge: The 'Contrast' Connector

Notice the use of "Although" and "Rather than".

"Although the defendant claimed he acted in self-defense... experts have rejected this claim."

The B2 Secret: A2 students use "But" (He claimed self-defense, but experts said no). B2 students move the contrast to the front of the sentence using "Although" to create a more sophisticated, academic flow. This allows you to present two opposing ideas in one single, elegant sentence.

Vocabulary Learning

criminal (n.)
a person who has committed a crime
Example:The criminal was taken into custody after the robbery.
prosecutor (n.)
a lawyer who presents the case against the accused in court
Example:The prosecutor argued that the defendant had killed his wife.
defendant (n.)
the person accused of a crime in a court case
Example:The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
evidence (n.)
facts or items that help prove something in court
Example:The evidence showed that the crime was pre‑planned.
blunt (adj.)
not sharp; also used to describe forceful physical blows
Example:The victim suffered blunt force trauma to the head.
trauma (n.)
a severe emotional or physical injury
Example:The survivor experienced trauma after the attack.
jigsaw (n.)
a cutting tool with a serrated blade
Example:He used a jigsaw to cut the body into pieces.
blender (n.)
a kitchen appliance that mixes or pulverizes food
Example:The blender was used to destroy the remains.
chemicals (n.)
substances used to alter or destroy something
Example:Chemicals were added to the mixture to break down the tissue.
domestic (adj.)
relating to home or family life
Example:The court heard evidence of domestic violence.
violence (n.)
physical force used to hurt or kill
Example:The case involved repeated acts of violence.
behavior (n.)
the way a person acts or conducts themselves
Example:His controlling behavior alarmed his children.
self-defense (n.)
the act of protecting oneself from harm
Example:He claimed the act was in self‑defense.
panic (n.)
a sudden feeling of fear or anxiety
Example:The defendant did not act in panic.
history (n.)
a record of past events
Example:The history of abuse was documented.
planned (adj.)
arranged or organized in advance
Example:The disposal of the body was carefully planned.
controlled (adj.)
restrained or dominated
Example:His controlled demeanor hid his true intentions.
narcissistic (adj.)
excessively self‑focused and lacking empathy
Example:Psychologists described him as narcissistic.
sociopathic (adj.)
having a personality disorder that shows a lack of empathy and antisocial behavior
Example:He was labeled sociopathic by experts.
empathy (n.)
the ability to understand and share another person's feelings
Example:He showed no empathy for his victims.