August 6, 2026: Son of Grammy-Nominated Opera Singer Jubilant Sykes Arraigned for Singer’s Murder

Micah Sykes is accused of murdering his father at the family's Santa Monica home on Dec. 8, 2025

SANTA MONICA, Calif. - The 31-year-old son of Grammy-nominated opera singer Jubilant Sykes was arraigned today in the fatal stabbing of his 71-year-old father at the family's Santa Monica home in December 2025.

"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. "This horrific act of violence is a painful reminder of how older adults remain vulnerable to violence, even from those closest to them. Our elders deserve to feel safe and the office's Elder Abuse Section is committed to holding those who harm them fully accountable."

Micah Curtis Sykes (dob 11/5/94) of Santa Monica was charged in case 25CJCF07984 with one felony count of murder with a special allegation that the defendant used a deadly weapon in the commission of the crime. It is further alleged that Sykes inflicted great bodily injury upon a vulnerable victim 60 years of age or older.

At approximately 9:20 p.m. on Dec. 8, 2025, Micah Sykes allegedly murdered his father at the family's Santa Monica home using a dagger, garden shears and barbell. The victim's wife, who is also the defendant's mother, was home and called emergency services. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The case was filed on Dec. 11, 2025, and the defendant appeared in court on that date. The Court continued his arraignment on Dec. 11 and at each subsequent court date.

The defendant pleaded not guilty at his arraignment today.

The next court date is a preliminary hearing setting on Sept. 2 in Department 34 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

He remains held on no bail as requested by the prosecution.

If convicted as charged, Sykes faces up to life in state prison.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Cesar Rodriguez and Julia Cohn of the Elder Abuse Section and remains under investigation by the Santa Monica Police Department.

To report physical abuse, emotional abuse or neglect, call your local law enforcement or the Los Angeles County Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-877-4R SENIORS (1-877-477-3646).

View and download the Office's pamphlet on how to identify and report elder abuse here.

The charges in this case are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.