Deadly Deal: A Husband’s Plot to End a Life

A 75‑year‑old art dealer in Rio de Janeiro was found stabbed to death in January 2024. The victim, a prominent New York gallery owner with a multimillion‑dollar estate, had been fighting a bitter divorce from his estranged spouse. In April 2024, the former partner was arrested in New York and later convicted in Manhattan federal court for arranging a murder‑for‑hire plot that led to his death. Prosecutors say he used a burner phone to order the hit, sent more than $10, 000 to the hired killer and promised additional payments. The alleged assassin was caught in Brazil and remains jailed. The court judge described the killing as a “senseless, cold‑blooded murder” and emphasized that the verdict delivers a “meaningful measure of justice. ” The defense lawyer expressed disappointment, arguing that the case relies on circumstantial evidence and plans to appeal. He claims his client is “strong” and seeks vindication.The deceased gallery owner had a long career in the art world, starting as an exhibition director in Rochester and opening his first shop in Boston. His gallery, now known as Sikkema Malloy Jenkins, has represented international artists for nearly three decades. He was noted for his unconventional approach and once described himself on social media as a “chaos kind of guy, ” favoring adventurous destinations like Brazil and Cuba. The incident raises questions about the lengths some will go to secure financial gain, even at the cost of another person’s life. It also highlights the international reach of criminal investigations and the complexities involved when civil disputes turn deadly.