NYC Art Dealer Fatally Stabbed in Brazil; Authorities Uncover Estranged Husband’s Murder-for-Hire Scheme

"NYC Art Dealer Killed in Brazil; Estranged Husband's Murder Plot Revealed"

Daniel Sikkema was indicted for allegedly hiring a hitman to murder his estranged husband, Brent Sikkema, found stabbed in Brazil last year.

Emily Johnson15 February 2025Last Update : 1 week ago

NYC art dealer stabbed to death in Brazil was murder-for-hire plot arranged by estranged husband, officials say

www.nbcnews.com

A New York man, Daniel Sikkema, was indicted on February 14, 2025, for allegedly hiring a hitman to kill his estranged husband, Brent Sikkema. The murder occurred in Brazil on January 14, 2024, where Brent was found with multiple stab wounds at his residence.

6 Key Takeaways

Daniel Sikkema indicted for murder-for-hire
Brent Sikkema found stabbed in Brazil
Charges include passport fraud and conspiracy
Alleged hitman identified as Alejandro Trevez
Daniel Sikkema pleads not guilty to charges
Brent co-owned prominent Manhattan art gallery

Fast Answer: Daniel Sikkema faces charges including murder-for-hire after the death of his estranged husband, Brent Sikkema, in Brazil. Brent was discovered stabbed to death in January 2024. Daniel allegedly conspired and made payments to facilitate the murder while they were undergoing a contentious divorce.

Daniel Sikkema, aged 54 and a dual citizen of the U.S. and Cuba, has been charged with multiple offenses related to the alleged murder-for-hire plot that resulted in the death of his husband. Prosecutors allege that he hired an unidentified individual referred to as “CC-1” to carry out the killing while concealing financial transactions through stolen identities or intermediaries.

Brent Sikkema, who was 75 years old at the time of his death, was known as a wealthy art dealer and co-owner of a prominent Manhattan gallery. He had been living part-time in Brazil and owned property there. The indictment details how Daniel arranged for CC-1 to enter Brent’s home in Rio de Janeiro on January 14, leading to the fatal stabbing.

Brent Sikkema had 18 stab wounds when found.
The murder-for-hire plan reportedly began in 2023 amid their divorce proceedings.
Daniel allegedly communicated with CC-1 after the murder regarding payment arrangements.

Following Brent’s murder, Brazilian authorities arrested Alejandro Triana Trevez on January 18 for his involvement. Trevez had been evading capture until police located him resting at a gas station several days later. U.S. Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon emphasized that justice would be pursued vigorously against those committing such crimes against U.S. citizens abroad.

Notice: Canadian readers should be aware that international legal cases can have implications for cross-border relations and extradition processes involving Canadian citizens or residents involved in similar situations.

If convicted of these charges, Daniel Sikkema could face severe penalties including life imprisonment or even the death penalty. His attorney has not yet provided comments regarding these allegations as he pleads not guilty to all charges presented against him.