Did a hitman kill a New York gallerist? Art world rocked by murder-for-hire trial
Brent Sikkema, a prominent New York art gallerist, was allegedly murdered by a hitman in his Rio de Janeiro home in January 2024. His estranged husband, Daniel Sikkema, is on trial for allegedly orchestrating the killing amid a bitter divorce and financial disputes. The case has shocked the art world and revealed disturbing voice notes and messages suggesting motive.
- ▪Brent Sikkema was stabbed 18 times in his Rio de Janeiro townhouse in January 2024, according to court allegations.
- ▪Alejandro Triana Prevez, the alleged hitman, was arrested days after the murder and claimed Daniel Sikkema plotted the killing.
- ▪Prosecutors presented voice notes and messages in which Daniel Sikkema expressed frustration with his husband's refusal to die and demanded $6 million.
- ▪Daniel Sikkema is on trial for murder-for-hire in Manhattan federal court, facing charges related to the alleged plot.
- ▪Brent Sikkema co-founded Sikkema Jenkins & Co, a leading gallery known for representing diverse contemporary artists, including Kara Walker and Jeffrey Gibson.
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Brent Sikkema attend House of Hennessy Presents Secret Americana: Jean-Michel Othoniel’s First Solo Exhibition in New York at Sikkema Jenkins & Co. on March 6, 2008 in New York City. Photograph: Will Ragozzino/Patrick McMullan via Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenBrent Sikkema attend House of Hennessy Presents Secret Americana: Jean-Michel Othoniel’s First Solo Exhibition in New York at Sikkema Jenkins & Co. on March 6, 2008 in New York City. Photograph: Will Ragozzino/Patrick McMullan via Getty ImagesNew YorkDid a hitman kill a New York gallerist? Art world rocked by murder-for-hire trialDaniel Sikkema is accused of hiring someone to kill his husband, Brent Sikkema, amid a divorce and alleged fights over moneyVictoria BekiempisSun 17 May 2026 09.00 EDTLast modified on Sun 17 May 2026…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Guardian — US.
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