Federal Charges Filed Against Husband of Slain New York Gallerist Brent Sikkema
Federal investigators have officially charged the husband of the late New York gallerist Brent Sikkema for allegedly orchestrating his murder, as announced by the United States attorney’s office in Manhattan today, February 11.
This development comes more than a year after the shocking discovery of the renowned art dealer’s body, found stabbed to death in his residence in Rio de Janeiro. The incident not only sent shockwaves through the international art community but also captured the attention of media outlets in the US and Brazil.
Brent Sikkema, known for founding the esteemed gallery previously named Sikkema Jenkins and Company, had built a strong reputation in the art world. Throughout his career, he represented a diverse group of artists including Jeffrey Gibson, Sheila Hicks, Vik Muniz, and Kara Walker.
On January 14, Sikkema’s lifeless body was discovered with 18 stab wounds believed to be inflicted by either scissors or a box cutter. Shortly after, Brazilian authorities apprehended Alejandro Triana Trevez, a 30-year-old, based on security camera footage showing him fleeing the crime scene. Trevez later confessed to using a kitchen knife to fatally stab the gallerist and implicated Daniel Sikkema, the victim’s ex-husband, as the mastermind behind the murder.
According to a recently unsealed superseding indictment, Daniel Sikkema allegedly paid his accomplice around $5,000 for the hit job, although the co-conspirator’s identity remains undisclosed in the federal statement. In March, Daniel was arrested in Manhattan on charges of passport fraud.
He now faces additional charges of conspiracy to commit a murder-for-hire and conspiracy to murder in a foreign country. If convicted, Daniel could potentially receive a life sentence or the death penalty.
“As alleged, Daniel Sikkema and his co-conspirator meticulously planned and executed a heinous plot to eliminate Sikkema’s husband,” stated US attorney Danielle R. Sassoon in a formal declaration.
Richard Levitt, Daniel Sikkema’s legal representative, informed the New York Times that his client vehemently denies all allegations and eagerly anticipates proving his innocence during the impending trial.
