Husband convicted of hiring hitman to kill NYC art dealer in Brazil
Summary
Daniel Sikkema was found guilty of hiring a hitman to murder his estranged husband, Brent Sikkema, in Brazil. Brent was killed in January 2024, and Daniel faces life in prison after being convicted in a federal court in Manhattan.Key Facts
- Brent Sikkema, a New York City art dealer, was stabbed to death in his Rio de Janeiro home in January 2024.
- Daniel Sikkema, 55, who holds U.S. and Cuban citizenship, was arrested in April 2024 and convicted of murder-for-hire conspiracy.
- Daniel used a burner phone to arrange the killing during divorce proceedings.
- Prosecutors said Daniel sent over $10,000 to the alleged hitman and promised more money.
- Daniel reportedly claimed he would gain more money from Brent’s death than a divorce settlement.
- Brent and Daniel had a teenage son together.
- Daniel’s lawyer said they plan to appeal the verdict, arguing the evidence is circumstantial.
- Brent Sikkema owned a successful Manhattan art gallery representing international artists and had a multimillion-dollar estate.
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