Rio de Janeiro court sets trial for American art dealer's murder

A Rio de Janeiro judge has scheduled the trial of Alejandro Triana Prevez for February 25, 2027. Prevez, a Cuban national, is accused of the January 2024 murder of Brent Sikkema, a 75-year-old American art dealer, at his apartment in Jardim Botânico.

Prosecutors allege that Prevez was hired by Daniel Garcia Carrera, Sikkema’s ex-husband, to carry out the killing. The motive is linked to property disputes following their separation, as Sikkema had reportedly excluded Carrera from his will. Carrera is accused of being the mastermind, allegedly promising Prevez $200,000 to execute the crime.

Prevez faces multiple charges, including qualified homicide for base motives, promise of reward, and cruelty, as well as qualified theft. The judge maintained Prevez’s preventive detention, noting his confessed intention to flee to Peru following the crime. The legal proceedings regarding Carrera have been separated due to an ongoing appeal.