Micah Sykes was charged with one count of murder with the special circumstances of the use of a deadly weapon, among other charges
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NEED TO KNOW
- Micah Sykes pleaded not guilty to the murder of his father, Grammy-nominated opera singer Jubilant Sykes, on Thursday, Aug. 6
- Prosecutors accused Micah of using multiple weapons to attack his father in December 2025
- Prosecutors are pursuing charges of murder and inflicting great bodily injury on a vulnerable victim over 60
The son of Grammy-nominated opera singer Jubilant Sykes has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his father.
Micah Sykes entered the not-guilty plea during his arraignment on Thursday, Aug. 6, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said in a press release. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 2.
Micah, 31, was charged with one felony count of murder with a special allegation that the defendant used a deadly weapon in the commission of the crime. Prosecutors are also pursuing a charge of inflicting great bodily injury upon a vulnerable victim 60 years of age or older, per the D.A.’s release.
Micah is accused of using a dagger, garden shears and a barbell to attack his late father on Dec. 8, 2025, prosecutors allege. Jubilant’s wife was home and called for help. The musician was pronounced dead at the scene. He was 71.
Jubilant was a Grammy-nominated opera singer and a husband of 37 years to his wife, Cecelia. He was also a father of three.
“Our community continues to mourn the senseless loss of Jubilant Sykes whose renowned baritone and legacy of music brought joy to the world,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said in a statement.
“This horrific act of violence is a painful reminder of how older adults remain vulnerable to violence, even from those closest to them,” Hochman continued. “Our elders deserve to feel safe and the office’s Elder Abuse Section is committed to holding those who harm them fully accountable.”
The baritone was found dead in his Santa Monica, Calif., home after suffering several stab wounds, according to a press release previously shared by the Santa Monica Police Department.
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Micah was promptly arrested on suspicion of attacking his dad, and the Sykes family told authorities that he had a history of mental illness, Lt. Lewis Gilmour said in a statement to The New York Times on Dec. 9. The family has not commented further on Micah’s mental health.
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Years ago, a woman who accused Micah of “threatening behavior” was granted a restraining order, according to a 2017 petition obtained by Rolling Stone.
“Micah shows signs of mental instability. His behavior is unpredictable,” the petition read. “Micah poses a real threat … and he has been violent with his own family members.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.
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