Jury Convicts Man of Murder-for-Hire in 2024 Killing of Art Dealer
A federal jury found Daniel Sikkema guilty of conspiring to kill his estranged husband Brent Sikkema. The verdict came after a two-hour deliberation in a case involving payments to a Cuban national who carried out the stabbing in Brazil.
New York PostA federal jury convicted Daniel Sikkema on Friday of murder-for-hire conspiracy resulting in death, murder-for-hire resulting in death, and conspiracy to murder or maim a person in a foreign country. The charges stem from the January 2024 stabbing death of Brent Sikkema, 77, at his vacation home in Rio de Janeiro.
Prosecutors said Daniel Sikkema, in his mid-50s, paid about $9,000 to the couple’s former security guard, Alejandro Triana Prevez, who entered the bedroom and stabbed the victim 18 times.
” They also cited testimony that Daniel Sikkema had borrowed $13,000 from the couple’s housekeeper while making payments to the alleged hitman. Defense attorneys argued the payments were repayment of a debt and that Prevez acted alone for personal financial reasons.
They noted Prevez had texted his girlfriend about buying a house after the killing.
The jury returned its unanimous verdict after roughly two hours of deliberation. Daniel Sikkema faces a possible sentence of life in prison.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
2 events- January 2024
Brent Sikkema was stabbed 18 times at his Rio de Janeiro home.
1 sourceNew York Post - Friday
Federal jury convicted Daniel Sikkema after two-hour deliberation.
1 sourceNew York Post
Potential Impact
- 01
Daniel Sikkema faces a possible life sentence following the conviction.
- 02
The case may affect ongoing custody proceedings involving the couple’s son.
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