Federal authorities have announced charges against Daniel Sikkema, a Manhattan resident, in connection with a murder-for-hire plot that led to the death of his husband in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York unsealed a Superseding Indictment detailing these charges. Previously, Sikkema faced charges related to passport fraud.
Danielle R. Sassoon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, 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. This Office will doggedly pursue justice against those who murder United States citizens, whether at home or abroad."
James E. Dennehy from the FBI's New York Field Office commented: "In the midst of a tense divorce, Daniel Sikkema allegedly financed the premature death of his estranged husband. The defendant allegedly hired a hitman to facilitate the international murder of his husband and attempted to conceal his involvement in this callous plan."
According to allegations in the Superseding Indictment, in 2023 Sikkema conspired with another individual referred to as "CC-1" to kill his estranged husband during ongoing divorce proceedings. The victim frequently traveled to Brazil and owned property there. To carry out this plan, Sikkema made several payments using stolen identities or intermediaries.
On January 14, 2024, CC-1 murdered the victim in Rio de Janeiro. Following this event, communications between Sikkema and CC-1 continued as they arranged further payments totaling approximately $5,000.
Brazilian law enforcement arrested CC-1 on January 18 for involvement in this crime.
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.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith C. Foster and Remy Grosbard from the General Crimes Unit with support from Chelsea Schinnour from the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section.
The FBI's New York Field Office has been praised for its investigative efforts into this case.
It is important to note that these charges are accusations at this stage; Daniel Sikkema remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
