Micah Sykes, 31, entered a not guilty plea Thursday in the December 2025 murder of his father, Grammy-nominated singer Jubilant Sykes. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has charged Micah Sykes with one count of murder with special circumstances, including the use of a deadly weapon and inflicting great bodily injury upon a victim 60 years or older. The elder Sykes was 71 at the time of his death.
A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for September 2. Jubilant Sykes's death occurred in his Santa Monica, California, home and was ruled a homicide by the Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner. Micah Sykes was subsequently arrested for his killing.
According to an autopsy report, Jubilant Sykes died as a result of multiple stab wounds. His wife, Cecelia Sykes, reported that she was in the shower when she heard her husband yell for her to call 9-1-1. Upon emerging, she saw their son standing over his father, stabbing him with a sharp-edged weapon. The report details that the singer suffered a minimum of 73 wounds, 68 of which were sharp force injuries and five were blunt force injuries. Police recovered a curved knife approximately 9 inches long and a 10-pound dumbbell with apparent blood stains at the scene.
Toxicology tests did not indicate the presence of drugs in Jubilant Sykes's system. In February, during a court appearance, Micah Sykes interrupted prosecutors, questioning their account and asking for his mother. A judge ordered him held without bail, citing concerns about his mental health, including a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Prosecutors noted he was homeless and residing with his parents.
Jubilant Sykes, a celebrated baritone, had a career spanning decades and continents. He received a Grammy nomination for his performance in a 2009 recording of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass and performed at venues such as the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, and the Kennedy Center. He also collaborated with artists including Julie Andrews and Josh Groban. Those who knew him described him as deeply committed to his community and family. He shared three sons with his wife, Cecelia.