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Art Dealer Convicted of Murder; Philly Rallies Ona Judge Day

5/23/2026

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Center

Daniel Sikkema Convicted

Prosecutors said Daniel Sikkema transferred over $10,000 to the hitman and bragged about profiting from his spouse’s death.
A New York jury convicted art dealer Daniel Sikkema of hiring a hitman to kill his estranged husband in Brazil.
Defense attorney Florian Miedel called the case circumstantial and said he will appeal the conviction.
Philadelphia marked Ona Judge Day with rally after a President Donald Trump order was reversed.

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Sikkema Convicted

The stabbing of Brent Sikkema, co-founder of a major New York gallery, reverberated through the international art community.
Daniel Sikkema was convicted in Manhattan federal court and now faces a mandatory life sentence.
Prosecutors said Daniel Sikkema hired Cuban guard Alejandro Triana Prevez, arrested in Brazil after the Rio murder.
Jay Clayton called the verdict justice after a $9,000 payment linked Sikkema to murder.

History

Historical Context

The 1990s rise in violent crimes against art dealers recalls earlier scandals that revealed the dark side of the high-value market. In November 1985, New York dealer Andrew Crispo pleaded guilty to federal tax fraud, underreporting millions and receiving a five-year sentence, a case that brought FBI scrutiny to gallery finances and set a precedent for later murder investigations.

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Daniel Sikkema Convicted

Prosecutors said Daniel Sikkema transferred over $10,000 to the hitman and bragged about profiting from his spouse’s death.
A New York jury convicted art dealer Daniel Sikkema of hiring a hitman to kill his estranged husband in Brazil.
Defense attorney Florian Miedel called the case circumstantial and said he will appeal the conviction.
Philadelphia marked Ona Judge Day with rally after a President Donald Trump order was reversed.

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