Micah Sykes Pleads Not Guilty in Father’s Murder

Micah Curtis Sykes, 31, entered a not‑guilty plea to a felony murder charge for the December 8 stabbing death of his 71‑year‑old father, Grammy‑nominated opera singer Jubilant Sykes, at the family home in Santa Monica, California. Prosecutors allege he used a knife, garden shears and a barbell as deadly weapons. The defendant remains jailed without bail; his mother, who witnessed the attack, called 911.

The case notes Sykes has a history of mental‑health issues, including a schizophrenia diagnosis, and prior arrests for felony grand larceny. If convicted, he faces up to life imprisonment. District Attorney Nathan Hochman called the killing a "senseless" act of violence against an elder.