Estranged Husband Convicted of Hiring Hitman to Kill NYC Art Dealer in Brazil

Daniel Sikkema, a prominent New York City art dealer and U.S. citizen, was convicted on Friday for hiring a hitman to kill him in Brazil. Brent Sikkema, 75, was found dead in his Rio de Janeiro townhouse in January 2024.

Daniel Sikkema, arrested in April 2024, faces life imprisonment if convicted of murder-for-hire conspiracy resulting in death at federal court in Manhattan. The alleged hitman remains jailed in Brazil.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton described Brent Sikkema’s killing as a “senseless, cold-blooded murder,” bringing “meaningful justice.” Daniel Sikkema’s lawyer, Florian Miedel, expressed disappointment and plans to appeal the verdict.

Prosecutors stated that Daniel Sikkema frequently communicated with the alleged hitman before and after the killing, providing over $10,000. He also promised further payments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Pavlis noted that Daniel Sikkema boasted he would receive more money from his spouse’s death than a divorce settlement.

Miedel argued the case was built on circumstantial evidence with no proof of guilt. Brent Sikkema had amassed a multimillion-dollar estate and owned Sikkema Malloy Jenkins, representing international artists like Kara Walker and Vik Muniz for nearly 30 years.