Daniel Sikkema has been convicted of hiring a hitman to kill his husband, prominent New York art dealer Brent Sikkema, who was found stabbed to death in his Rio de Janeiro townhouse in 2024.

Daniel Sikkema faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison following the conviction. The case involved the murder of Brent Sikkema, who was a well-known figure in New York's art scene.

Brent Sikkema was killed in his Rio de Janeiro residence in 2024. The circumstances of his death initially appeared to be a robbery or random crime, but the investigation ultimately led to charges against his husband.

The conviction represents the conclusion of a case that shocked both the New York art world and the international community. Brent Sikkema had been a respected art dealer with connections across the global art market.

Details about the specific evidence that led to Daniel Sikkema's conviction or the identity of the alleged hitman have not been disclosed. The case highlights the complex international legal issues that can arise when Americans are victims of crimes abroad.