by Suspect Arrested in Brutal Killing of American Art Dealer in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Brazilian police have arrested a suspect in connection with the brutal killing of an American art dealer who co-owned a prominent gallery in Manhattan. Brent Sikkema, 75, was found dead in his Rio de Janeiro apartment on Monday, with 18 stab wounds.
The suspect, identified as Alejandro Triana Trevez, was apprehended near the city of Uberaba in the neighboring state of Minas Gerais. Trevez, believed to be Cuban, had been on the run and was found resting at a gas station.
According to the police, Trevez allegedly stole $3,000 from Sikkema’s home. The main line of investigation is focused on theft leading to homicide. Detective Felipe Curi, who leads the state police homicide unit, revealed that initial findings indicate Trevez traveled from Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro specifically to commit the crime. He then returned to Sao Paulo, leading investigators to believe he had privileged information.
A 30-day prison warrant has been obtained against Trevez, allowing law enforcement to explore other leads and determine whether the two men knew each other.
Brent Sikkema was the co-owner of the Sikkema Jenkins & Co. gallery, which showcases works by various artists in New York City. The gallery, founded in 1991, features artists such as Jeffrey Gibson, Arturo Herrera, Sheila Hicks, Vik Muniz, and Kara Walker.
Sikkema began his career in 1971 at the Visual Studies Workshop in Rochester, New York, and opened his first gallery in Boston in 1976. In a trip to Zurich in 2021, he described himself on Instagram as a “chaos kind of guy” and expressed his preference for destinations like Brazil and Cuba.
The arrest of the suspect brings hope for justice in this tragic incident. As the investigation progresses, authorities will delve deeper into the details surrounding this shocking crime. The art community mourns the loss of Brent Sikkema, who contributed significantly to the promotion and appreciation of contemporary art.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and security, even in seemingly peaceful locations. The authorities urge residents and visitors to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to ensure the well-being of the community.
