Brazilian police arrest someone involved in the murder of Brent Sikkema

A man was arrested in Brazil on Thursday in connection with the killing of Brent Sikkema, the New York art dealer who was found with stab wounds in his Rio de Janeiro apartment this week.

The man was arrested at a gas station between the cities of Uberaba and Uberlândia, about 600 miles northwest of Rio de Janeiro, according to Rio police, who said he was the suspect in a robbery that led to death.

They said the man traveled from Sao Paulo to Rio before Sikkema's death and was identified with the help of security camera footage. These footage showed him getting out of a car parked outside the merchant's house in the early hours of Sunday morning. The police statement did not specify his identity or whether he knew the merchant, however The Associated Press reported Authorities said he was a Cuban man named Alejandro Triana Trevez.

The dealer's namesake gallery, Sikkema Jenkins & Co., focuses on contemporary art and moved from the SoHo neighborhood to the Chelsea Arts District in 1999.

Sikkema, 75, has represented artists including Kara Walker, Vic Muniz, Sheila Hicks, Louis Fratino and Jennifer Packer. Jeffrey Gibson, one of the exhibition's most prominent artists, is preparing to represent the United States at the Venice Biennale next April.

Alexander Gray, a New York gallery owner, said this week that Sikkema has helped raise a generation of artists exploring identity, representation and experimental forms.

Sikkema Jenkins & Co. spokesman Scott Briscoe said it will soon announce a memorial to celebrate Sikkema's life and accomplishments.

“The outpouring of love and appreciation for Brent has been overwhelming and a tremendous source of comfort to all of us at the show,” Briscoe said. “We thank everyone for their support and care during this difficult time.”

Anna Ionova Contributed to reports.