The image was of a perfect family: the husband, the wife, and two adorable little daughters, living in a luxurious house in one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Switzerland. On social media, the photos displayed smiles, travels, and happy moments that anyone would envy.
But, as in many cases of brutal crimes, the reality behind closed doors was much darker. The fairy tale ended in a violent and devastating way when, in February 2024, the world learned what was really happening inside that seemingly idyllic home.
The Rise of a Model
Kristina Joksimovic was born on April 15, 1985, in Basel, one of Switzerland’s major cities. From a young age, she caught attention for her beauty and elegance. In 2001, at just 16 years old, her life took an unexpected turn when she was approached on the streets and invited to try a modeling career.
Today, such a proposal might spark distrust, but at that time it seemed like a genuine opportunity. She accepted the challenge and soon began to build a successful path in the fashion industry.
In 2003, Kristina was crowned Miss Northwest Switzerland, which placed her in the national spotlight. Four years later, in 2007, she participated in the prestigious Miss Switzerland contest, reaching the final, but without securing the top title. Despite this, her career took off, establishing her as one of the most well-known figures in the Swiss fashion scene.
But it wasn’t only on the catwalk that she shone. Kristina also stood out for her charisma and leadership skills. After leaving the competitions, she began working as a mentor and coach for aspiring models, teaching everything from posture techniques to building a confident image.
Among her students was Lorena Frei, who later went on to win the title of Miss Universe representing Switzerland. This not only reinforced Kristina’s influence in the fashion world but also her passion for helping other women find their own shine.
Mark Ryan
During her modeling career, Kristina met Mark Ryan, a man three years older, belonging to a wealthy and influential family. His father was a renowned lawyer, and his family had connections in various sectors of Swiss high society.
With a resume that included positions at various technology and business companies, Mark appeared to be a competent professional and an ideal partner.
The romance between Kristina and Mark moved quickly. In August 2017, they got married in a ceremony that seemed straight out of a fairy tale. The event was luxurious, with a stunning setting and guests from high society.
After the wedding, they embarked on an unforgettable honeymoon, traveling to exotic locations such as Argentina and Antarctica, always sharing photos and declarations of love that enchanted their followers on social media.
But the perfection they displayed concealed tensions and a much darker reality. The seeds of tragedy began to be sown shortly after the wedding, but no one could have predicted the brutal outcome that was to come.
Beyond the Catwalk
After the end of her modeling career, Kristina decided to diversify her activities. She took on a position at a large technology company, working in the recruitment sector. The new job, along with her projects as a mentor and coach, made her an extremely busy professional. Even so, she found time to dedicate herself to her family.
During the pandemic, Kristina and Mark decided to expand their family. In 2020, their first daughter was born, and in 2021, the second. The family home, located in the prestigious “Gold” neighborhood — known as “the golden place” for being one of the city’s most exclusive areas — was the picture of perfection. They lived in a location that few could access, surrounded by equally wealthy and influential neighbors.
However, unlike large mansions set apart from each other, the houses in the neighborhood were semi-detached, meaning that the neighbors were only a few meters away. And yet, no one noticed what was happening inside.
Mark, who had previously held positions as an editor, project manager, and consultant, decided to open his own consulting firm in 2022. From then on, he started working more from home, which meant that he and Kristina spent more time together than ever before.
The Day of the Crime
February 13th, 2024, started like any other day. But the calm quickly turned to chaos when the girls’ school called Kristina’s father, informing him that she hadn’t shown up to pick them up. Worried, the grandfather rushed to get the children and then headed straight to his daughter’s house.
Upon arriving, he found Mark, who appeared calm but evasive. He said that Kristina had left without explanation and that it was not unusual for her. But her father knew something was wrong. While the girls played, he began searching the house. It was then that, upon entering the laundry room, he noticed a black garbage bag tossed in a corner. When he opened it, he was met with a terrifying sight: Kristina’s decapitated head.
In a state of shock, Kristina’s father took the girls out of the house and ran to ask for help. He shouted to a passerby and asked him to call the police. When the authorities arrived, the scene they found was like something out of a horror movie.
Horror Revealed
Kristina’s body was found dismembered in various parts of the house, mainly in the garage and laundry room. Mark had used several tools to mutilate his wife’s body, including an electric saw and kitchen knives.
Forensic reports indicated that he watched videos on the internet to learn how to dissect the body. But the most disturbing detail was the special treatment he gave to Kristina’s uterus, removing it with almost surgical precision.
He claimed he acted in self-defense, saying Kristina attacked him with a knife during an argument. However, the investigations showed that he had meticulously planned every detail. Mark tried to dissolve parts of the body in an industrial blender and used chemicals in an attempt to get rid of the evidence.
Mark Ryan’s Dark Past
During the investigations and preliminary hearings, Mark’s ex-girlfriends and Kristina’s friends came forward to reveal a disturbing pattern of behavior. Mark was described as controlling, violent, and manipulative.
One ex-girlfriend reported that he tried to strangle her during an argument; another said he pushed her out of a moving car. His aggression and inability to accept rejection seemed to be part of his personality.
Kristina, in turn, had already confided in close friends that she feared for her safety. She wanted a divorce, but she was afraid of what Mark might do to her and their daughters. Unfortunately, her hesitation proved to be fatal.
Justice or Impunity?
Mark was arrested the same day Kristina’s body was found and has remained in custody ever since. His defense tried to argue that he suffered from mental disorders, but the coldness and lack of remorse displayed in court did not convince the judges.
Witnesses confirmed that he was meticulous, calculating, and exhibited dangerous behavior. For now, he awaits the official trial, and the expectation is that he will be convicted of first-degree murder.
The Future of the Daughters
Kristina’s two young daughters now live without a mother and with their father behind bars. Information about their whereabouts is kept confidential for security reasons, but it is likely that they are under the care of their maternal grandparents. The trauma these girls carry will be difficult to overcome, and their future remains uncertain.
The case of Kristina Joksimovic is a sad reminder that not everything is as it seems. The facade of a perfect life often hides unimaginable horrors. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, remember that seeking help is essential. Never underestimate warning signs, no matter how small they may be.
