NEW YORK — Federal prosecutors have indicted Daniel Sikkema, 54, in a murder-for-hire plot, accusing him of orchestrating the killing of his estranged husband, Brent Sikkema, a prominent New York City art dealer. The indictment, unsealed Tuesday, also charges him with passport fraud.
Details of the Alleged Murder Plot
According to prosecutors, Daniel Sikkema allegedly hired a hitman to carry out the international murder of his husband amid a contentious divorce.
- Victim: Brent Sikkema, 75, a co-owner of Sikkema Jenkins & Co., a contemporary art gallery in Manhattan.
- Location of Murder: Brent Sikkema was stabbed to death in January 2024 at his townhouse in Rio de Janeiro, where he frequently traveled.
- Suspect in Custody: Brazilian authorities arrested a man identified as Alejandro Triana Trevez, who was allegedly paid by Daniel Sikkema to carry out the killing.
Payments for the Hitman
Prosecutors allege that Daniel Sikkema made multiple payments to Trevez and his romantic partner in Cuba from mid-2023 to January 2024.
- He reportedly used a stolen identity or an intermediary to send the money, attempting to conceal his involvement in the crime.
- Trevez, who had previously worked as the victim’s bodyguard, was arrested in Uberaba, Brazil, while on the run.
FBI and Prosecutors Speak Out
FBI Assistant Director James E. Dennehy condemned the alleged plot:
“The defendant allegedly hired a hitman to facilitate the international murder of his husband and attempted to conceal his involvement in this callous plan.”
If convicted, Sikkema faces a mandatory life sentence or the death penalty.
Sikkema’s Lawyer Responds
Sikkema’s attorney, Richard Levitt, insisted on his client’s innocence:
“Mr. Sikkema has maintained his innocence consistently. And he is entirely confident that he’ll be vindicated at trial.”
Who Was Brent Sikkema?
Brent Sikkema was a highly regarded art dealer known for his keen eye in the contemporary art world.
- He co-founded Sikkema Jenkins & Co., representing artists like Jeffrey Gibson, Kara Walker, and Vik Muniz.
- He began his career in 1971 as Director of Exhibitions at the Visual Studies Workshop in Rochester, New York.
- He had homes in both New York and Rio de Janeiro, describing his Brazilian apartment as an urban “oasis.”
Longtime Friend Reflects
Fellow art gallery owner Yancey Richardson described Sikkema as an innovative curator:
“Brent had a terrific eye and thought outside of the box. He wasn’t just mounting one painting show after another.”
What’s Next?
The case will now move to trial, where prosecutors will present evidence of the alleged murder-for-hire scheme. The stakes are high, as Sikkema could face life in prison or even the death penalty if convicted.
