By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-08-07 14:57:21 | Updated at 2026-08-07 17:23:12
2 hours ago
The son of Grammy-nominated singer Jubilant Sykes entered a not guilty plea on Thursday over the December 2025 murder of his late father.
Micah Sykes, 31, is charged with one count of murder with the special circumstances of the use of a deadly weapon, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said in a news release.
Prosecutors said Micah is also accused in connection with infliction of great bodily injury upon a vulnerable victim 60 years of age or older in the murder of his father, 71.
A preliminary hearing in the case is slated for September 2, according to prosecutors.
Sykes's death, which occurred in his home in Santa Monica, California, was ruled a homicide by the Medical Examiner and the singer's son Micah was subsequently arrested for his killing.
The Daily Mail has reached out to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and representatives for the late Jubilant Sykes for comment, but has not yet received a response.
Micah Sykes, 31, on Thursday entered a not guilty plea in the December 2025 murder of his late father, opera singer Jubilant Sykes, 71
An attorney representing Micah Sykes could not immediately be established.
'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 news release Thursday.
Hochman said that the '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.'
The plea comes less than a month after an autopsy report on the late opera singer Jubilant Sykes reveals disturbing new details about his brutal murder.
The Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner's report reveals that Sykes died at 71 as the result of 'multiple stab wounds,' according to Us Weekly, which obtained the records on July 21.
According to Us Weekly, the Medical Examiner's report includes details about Sykes's wife, Cecelia Sykes, who witnessed his December 8, 2025 murder.
She alleged in a call to the Santa Monica Police Department that 'her son, who has a documented history of mental illness, had stabbed and killed' his father
Opera singer Jubilant Sykes was stabbed 78 times before his death at 71 on December 8, 2025, according to an LA County Medical Examiner's report; Sykes is pictured in an undated photo
Sykes's death – which occurred in his Santa Monica home – was ruled a homicide by the Medical Examiner. The singer's son, 32-year-old Micah Sykes (pictured), was subsequently arrested for his killing
According to the report, 'The wife was in the shower when she heard the decedent yell out for her to call 9-1-1.
'When she came out of the shower, she saw their adult son standing over [Sykes] stabbing him with an apparent artifactual sharp edge weapon.'
According to the documents, Sykes suffered a minimum of 73 wounds in the course of the brutal assault before he was declared dead at the scene.
Of those wounds, the report determined that 68 were 'sharp force' injuries, while five were 'blunt force' injuries.
The report indicated that police discovered two weapons at the scene responsible for the injuries.
They included 'a curved knife with the blade measuring approximately 9 inches long and 2 inches wide' and 'a 10-pound dumbbell containing apparent blood stains.'
Toxicology tests performed reportedly did not indicate the presence of any illicit or prescribed drugs in Sykes's system.
Micah was later arrested.
Sykes suffered at least 73 'sharp edge' wounds and five 'blunt force' injuries. Police recovered two weapons at the scene: 'a curved knife with the blade measuring approximately 9 inches long and 2 inches wide' and a 'a 10-pound dumbbell containing apparent blood stains'; Sykes is pictured performing at New York City's Carnegie Hall in 2008
According to the report, Sykes's wife 'was in the shower when she heard the decedent yell out for her to call 9-1-1. When she came out of the shower, she saw their adult son standing over [Sykes] stabbing him with an apparent artifactual sharp edge weapon'; Sykes is pictured at Carnegie Hall in 2008
In February, Micah Sykes appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom, where he interrupted prosecutors and asked for his mother as a judge ordered him held without bail as he faces a murder charge.
During the hearing, Micah interjected while Deputy District Attorney Cesar Rodriguez was speaking, saying, 'I don't see my mother here… This person's not telling the truth whatsoever.'
The outburst came as prosecutors argued that he should be held on $2 million bail, a request Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Theresa R. McGonigle granted.
His arraignment was delayed until February 11 at the defense's request.
Rodriguez told the court that Micah's mother witnessed the fatal attack and is now protected under a court-issued no-contact order barring Micah from communicating with her.
The prosecutor also cited concerns about Micah's mental health, telling the judge the defendant had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and was supposed to be medicated but was either under-medicated or not following doctors' orders.
Rodriguez said Micah is homeless and has nowhere to stay other than his parents' home.
He also told the court that other family members were present and wanted it communicated that they love the defendant.
In court, Micah, seen top left, is said to have asked for his mother, pictured center
Jubilant Sykes was a celebrated baritone whose career spanned decades and continents.
He earned a Grammy nomination for his performance in a 2009 recording of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass and performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Hollywood Bowl and London’s Barbican Centre.
He also collaborated with an eclectic range of artists, including Julie Andrews, Josh Groban, Carlos Santana and Brian Wilson.
Despite his success, those who knew him described Sykes as deeply committed to his community and his family.
He shared three sons with his wife, Cecelia.
