A prominent art dealer connected to former First Lady Michelle Obama has been found stabbed to death as his former husband faces extradition to Brazil in connection with the crime.
Brent Sikkema, 75, was found stabbed to death in his Rio de Janeiro home on January 15.
His husband, Daniel Garcia Carrera, 53, was later accused of his murder in a “murder-for-hire” scheme, The New York Post reported.
The murder came as Sikkema was set to return to the United States.
To extradite Garcia Carrera, Brazil has to make a formal request to U.S. authorities.
The hearing on the extradition request will be held on June 3, 2024.
FBI agents arrested Garcia Carrera on March 20 in New York City after he was labeled a suspect in Sikkema’s death.
According to the FBI, Garcia Carrera was planning to leave the country with Lucas Sikkema, 13, the couple’s adopted son.
Brent Sikkema and Garcia Carrera have been a couple for 15 years but were going through a custody battle over the teenager.
Garcia Carrera was planning to flee to his native Cuba, authorities said.
According to court documents, Garcia Carrera was released on a $1 million bond and required to wear an ankle monitor.
The New York Times they were reported that $40,000 was stolen from Sikkema’s Brazilian home when the murder took place.
Alejandro Triana Prevez was later arrested when surveillance footage showed him at the home near the time of Sikkema’s murder.
Prevez’s attorney, Gregorio Andrade, said Prevez had accused Garcia Carrera of offering him $200,000 to kill his husband.
“He manipulated my client,” Andrade said.
Fabiana Marques, an attorney for Garcia Carrera, argues her client is innocent.
“It’s important to note that Daniel was not given an opportunity to be heard by police, despite proactively offering himself for questioning via email,” she said.
READ: Michelle Obama Responds to Rumors She Is Running for President
