Man Charged With Killing Grammy-Nominated Opera Singer In Santa Monica Enters Plea

SANTA MONICA, CA — A 31-year-old man charged with fatally stabbing Grammy-nominated opera singer Jubilant Sykes inside the family's Santa Monica home pleaded not guilty through his attorney Thursday.

Micah Sykes is charged with murder in connection with the Dec. 8, 2025, killing of his father. He is due back in court Sept. 2, when a judge is expected to schedule a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial.

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According to the criminal complaint, prosecutors allege Sykes used a knife, garden shears and a barbell during the attack. The complaint also alleges he inflicted great bodily injury on a person 60 or older.

During the defendant's initial court appearance in December, Deputy District Attorney Cesar Rodriguez told the court that Sykes' mother witnessed the fatal attack. Rodriguez also said the defendant had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and was supposed to be medicated but was either under-medicated or not following his doctor's recommendations. Those statements were made during arguments over bail, and Sykes has remained jailed without bail since his arrest.

Santa Monica police responded to a home near 18th Street and Delaware Avenue after receiving a 911 call reporting an assault. Officers found 71-year-old Jubilant Sykes with injuries consistent with a stabbing. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later determined he died from multiple stab wounds.

Micah Sykes was taken into custody inside the home and later booked on suspicion of murder.

Jubilant Sykes was an internationally acclaimed baritone who performed at venues including Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, the Kennedy Center and Italy's Arena di Verona. He earned a Grammy nomination for his performance in the 2009 recording of Leonard Bernstein's Mass and collaborated with artists including Josh Groban, Julie Andrews, Carlos Santana and Brian Wilson.