A federal jury has found Daniel Sikkema guilty of hiring a hitman to murder his estranged husband, the renowned New York art dealer Brent Sikkema. The gallerist was stabbed 18 times in his Rio de Janeiro townhouse on January 14, 2024.
Daniel Sikkema’s arrest came after he was charged with passport fraud and conspiracy to commit murder for hire. His defense team argued the money paid was for work done in Cuba, but prosecutors disputed this.
Prevez, a Cuban security guard, was arrested days after the incident and is awaiting trial. Sikkema's voice note, which alleged his desire for Brent to become a widower, was cited during the trial.
Brent Sikkema co-founded Sikkema Jenkins Gallery with Michael Jenkins in 1993, nurturing relationships with artists like Kara Walker, Sheila Hicks and Vik Muniz. The US Attorney's statement highlighted the jury’s unanimous decision as a significant measure of justice for this brutal crime.
