The mysterious unraveling of a clandestine scheme in a global homicide case has captured public attention. In a recent development, federal prosecutors in New York have brought charges against the estranged spouse of a deceased art dealer from New York City, alleging his involvement in a murder-for-hire plot. The prosecutors claim that Daniel Sikkema, a 54-year-old resident of New York, orchestrated multiple payments to the individual arrested for the murder in Brazil, amidst a tumultuous divorce proceeding.
On Tuesday, Sikkema was formally indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit murder, in addition to passport fraud. Speaking on the case, FBI Assistant Director in Charge James E. Dennehy remarked, “The defendant purportedly enlisted a professional killer to orchestrate the cross-border assassination of his spouse and took measures to conceal his complicity in this heartless scheme.” Sikkema’s legal representative responded to the allegations, expressing confidence in his client’s eventual exoneration. Attorney Richard Levitt conveyed, “Mr. Sikkema has consistently proclaimed his innocence and harbors complete assurance that he will be exonerated during the trial.”
The victim, Brent Sikkema, aged 75 at the time of his demise, was discovered stabbed to death in January 2024 at his residence in Rio de Janeiro, a city he frequented regularly. Brent, who had reportedly amassed a substantial estate, was a co-owner of the renowned contemporary art gallery Sikkema Jenkins & Co. located in Manhattan. The gallery showcases works of prominent international artists such as Jeffrey Gibson, Kara Walker, and Vik Muniz.
Following the heinous incident, law enforcement authorities in Rio de Janeiro apprehended an individual identified as Alejandro Triana Trevez near Uberaba, a city in the neighboring state of Minas Gerais. The fugitive suspect was found seeking refuge at a local gas station. Although not mentioned by name in the unsealed indictment, Brazilian media outlets have linked Trevez to the victim, suggesting he previously served as Brent’s bodyguard.
According to the charges, Daniel Sikkema, a dual U.S. and Cuban citizen, allegedly transferred multiple sums of money to Trevez and his partner in Cuba between mid-2023 and January 2024. Prosecutors assert that Sikkema utilized a stolen identity or an intermediary to make these payments while concealing his true identity. If convicted, Sikkema could potentially face a severe sentence of life imprisonment or capital punishment.
