Extra: Daniel Sikkema April 22 Trial Including Info about Murder of His Husband Gallerist in Brazil
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by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack
SDNY COURTHOUSE, Dec 18 – Daniel Sikkema has been subject to an Interpol warrant for the murder of his estanged husband, art gallery owner Brent Sikkema, in Brazil. On March 20 Daniel Sikkema was brought by US Marshals into the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Magistrates Court, with detention sought for passport fraud. Inner City Press was the only media there and live tweeted, thread:
...Defense: He hired counsel in Brazil
Judge: So I am releasing Mr. Sikeema on a $1 million personal recognizance bond, secured by the property in Queens subject to review by the government of the equity, if it is in the high 100s of 1000s of dollars. Owned by Maria L. Gomez
Judge: He can be released today on his own signature
Pre Trial: We can't put on the GPS bracelet.
Judge: So he will be held overnight, produced tomorrow
He was released - but on March 27 asked for a delay in putting up the Queens house: we have "identified a substitute property located in Manhattan to secure Mr. Sikkema’s bond, as the home we initially intended to post is unavailable." Letter on Patreon here.
On April 2, he was given until April 5: "Application Granted. Defendant shall have until April 5, 2024 to secure the bond and the sureties' signatures thereto... (Signed by Magistrate Judge Robyn F. Tarnofsky on 4/2/2024)
On April 12, Daniel Sikkema was formally indicted for passport fraud, with the case assigned to Judge Edgardo Ramos. Indictment on Patreon here
On December 11, 2024 Judge Ramos denied Sikkema's motion to dismiss and motion in limine to exclude information about the death of his husband.
On December 18, a trial date was picked, and Inner City Press was there,
the only media in the courtroom. From the thread:
All rise! Judge: I recently denied defendant's motions. Let's set a trial date. AUSA: April 21? Judge: I'm told there's a large jury selection here thay day [US v Eric Adams]. So the 22nd Story later
Addendum: Just after "Adjourned," Judge Ramos genially asked Inner City Press, What's the big trial here on April 21? "Eric Adams."
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