Authorities have charged Daniel Sikkema, a resident of New York, with orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot that led to the death of his husband in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The charges were announced by Danielle R. Sassoon, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Antoinette T. Bacon from the U.S. Justice Department’s Criminal Division; and James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's New York Field Office.
The case is detailed in a Superseding Indictment unsealed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, where Sikkema had previously faced charges related to passport fraud. This matter is currently before U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos.
U.S. Attorney Sassoon stated: “As alleged, Daniel Sikkema and his co-conspirator planned and carried out a cold-blooded plot to murder Sikkema’s husband, a United States citizen, in Brazil.” She emphasized that her office is committed to pursuing justice for murdered U.S. citizens both domestically and internationally.
James E. Dennehy from the FBI commented on the situation: “In the midst of a tense divorce, Daniel Sikkema allegedly financed the premature death of his estranged husband.” He highlighted that Sikkema allegedly hired someone to execute this international crime while attempting to hide his involvement.
According to allegations in the indictment, Sikkema conspired with another individual (referred to as "CC-1") in 2023 to kill his estranged husband during contentious divorce proceedings. The victim frequently traveled to Brazil and owned property there. To advance this plot, Sikkema reportedly sent payments using either stolen identities or intermediaries.
On January 14, 2024, CC-1 carried out the murder in Rio de Janeiro. Following this event, communications between Sikkema and CC-1 continued as arrangements were made for further payments totaling approximately $5,000.
Brazilian authorities arrested CC-1 on January 18, 2024.
Sikkema faces multiple charges including murder-for-hire conspiracy resulting in death and passport fraud. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment or even capital punishment as prescribed by Congress.
The FBI's New York Field Office received praise for its investigative efforts from Ms. Sassoon. The prosecution is being managed by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith C. Foster and Remy Grosbard with support from Trial Attorney Chelsea Schinnour.
It is important to note that these charges are accusations at this stage; Sikkema remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.