Alejandro Prevez, the man suspected of killing Brent Sikkema, has testified that the gallerist’s ex-husband paid him $200,000 to commit the murder. His latest testimony has reportedly prompted authorities to seek the arrest of Daniel Sikkema.
Prevez, 30, had previously denied killing Sikkema when questioned by police while his lawyers suggested that the slaying was “crime of command.” Later, Prevez’s family and lawyers pointed fingers at Daniel Sikkema, suggesting the suspect was manipulated by the art dealer’s ex-husband.
“As the former partner of Brent Sikkema and father of our shared child, it is with deep sadness and bewilderment that I learn from the media of unfounded allegations suggesting my involvement in the investigation of Brent’s tragic death,” Daniel Sikkema said in a text message to Artnet. “These speculations, aside from being utterly devoid of the truth, add an unnecessary layer of suffering to an already immensely painful period for both me and our son.”
Daniel Sikkema said that he has secured legal representation in Brazil to defend him as the case proceeds. It was not immediately clear if he will turn himself over to authorities seeking his arrest.
The apparent confession and change in testimony by Prevez was first reported by the Folha de São Paulo newspaper. Prevez’s lawyer Greg Andrade confirmed his testimony in a text message to Artnet News.
“The boss is Daniel Sikkema,” he said.
Prevez testified that Daniel Sikkema promised to pay him the large sum and had even sent some money through an international money transfer company. On the night of the murder, January 15, Prevez allegedly used a copy of a key Daniel Sikkema had given him and entered the home in Rio de Janeiro without resistance. Surveillance footage provided by the firm Gabriel Security to Artnet News showed Prevez outside the residence.
Prevez testified that Daniel Sikkema was unhappy with the amount of alimony allotted to him in the couple’s divorce, which he used to spend on sex workers and drugs.
State prosecutors in Rio de Janeiro are now seeking the arrest of Daniel Sikkema, Globo TV reported, which was confirmed by the Daily Mail. Police in Rio did not respond to a request for comment.
A police spokesperson confirmed to Daily Mail that the Brazilian authorities had concluded their investigation and that Daniel Sikkema had been identified as “intellectual and main author interested in crime.”