A federal judge has scheduled a May 2026 jury trial for Daniel Sikkema, the New York man charged in a murder-for-hire plot that prosecutors say led to the death of his estranged husband, prominent gallerist Brent Sikkema, as newly unearthed details shed fresh light on the case.

Daniel Sikkema faces life in prison if convicted on charges of racketeering murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder overseas and passport fraud. However, the U.S. Attorney’s Office notified the court on October 20 that it would not seek the death penalty, according to documents obtained by Urgent Matter. He has pleaded not guilty to his charges.

Urgent Matter has also obtained a previously overlooked transcript from Daniel Sikkema’s initial court appearance following his arrest for the alleged murder-for-hire plot on February 11, 2025. The documents show prosecutors arguing vehemently for his detention, labeling him a significant flight risk and a danger to witnesses. He was ordered to be held in pretrial detention.

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