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PREVIOUS: Horrific details emerge in Jubilant Sykes' autopsy report
PREVIOUS: An autopsy report reveals Grammy-nominated singer Jubilant Sykes was stabbed nearly 70 times.
SANTA MONICA, Calif. - Micah Sykes, the 31-year-old son of Grammy-nominated singer Jubilant Sykes, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment Thursday.
What we know:
Micah Sykes was identified as the suspect in the Dec. 2025 fatal stabbing of his father. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office charged him with one felony count of murder with a special allegation that he used a deadly weapon in the commission of the crime.
"It is further alleged that Sykes inflicted a great bodily injury upon a vulnerable victim 60 years of age or older," the DA’s office wrote.
An autopsy report from late July alleged he stabbed his father nearly 70 times and the victim’s wife told authorities her son had a documented history of mental illness.
RELATED: Jubilant Sykes: New autopsy report details fatal stabbing of Grammy-nominated singer
Jubilant Sykes' vocal career included performances at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Apollo Theater.
The backstory:
Santa Monica police responded to a 911 call on Dec. 8, 2025, at around 9:20 p.m. regarding an assault inside a home near 18th Street and Delaware Avenue.
Upon arrival, officers met with Sykes’ wife, who directed them inside the residence. Officers discovered Sykes suffering from significant, traumatic injuries. Santa Monica Fire Department personnel responded and pronounced him dead at the scene.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
- Jubilant Sykes, Grammy-nominated opera singer, killed after dispute with son at Santa Monica home
- Son of singer Jubilant Sykes charged with his murder
What's next:
Micah Sykes’ next court date is scheduled for Sept. 2. He remains held with no bail and, if convicted, faces up to life in state prison.
The Source: This report is based on information provided by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, the Santa Monica Police Department, the Santa Monica Fire Department, and court and autopsy records.