Son of opera star Jubilant Sykes charged with murder for singer’s stabbing death in Santa Monica

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — The son of renowned opera singer Jubilant Sykes was charged with murder Thursday for allegedly stabbing his father to death at the family’s Santa Monica home.

Micah Sykes, 31, appeared briefly in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom. His arraignment was delayed until Feb. 11 at the defense’s request.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Theresa R. McGonigle granted the prosecution’s request to order Sykes to be held without bail.

Deputy District Attorney Cesar Rodriguez told the judge that the defendant’s mother witnessed the attack Monday night.

Sykes is not allowed to contact his mother under a protective order issued Thursday by the judge.

In his request for Sykes to be held without bail, the prosecutor 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 recommendation.

Rodriguez also said the defendant is homeless and has only his parents’ home to stay at.

The deputy district attorney noted that other family members were in court and wanted him to communicate that they love the defendant.

There was a moment in court when Micah interrupted Rodriguez and said, “I don’t see my mother here… This person’s not telling the truth whatsoever.”

Officers responded to a report of an assault at a home in the 1700 block of Delaware Avenue around 9:20 p.m. Monday, according to Santa Monica police.

When officers arrived, the victim’s wife was at the door.

Police said 71-year-old Jubilant Sykes, a Grammy-nominated opera singer, was found with “critical injuries consistent with a stabbing” and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Micah Sykes was found inside the home and taken into custody without incident, according to police.

Jubilant Sykes was a Grammy-nominated opera singer with a career that spanned decades. He sang at hundreds of major venues around the world as well as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall.

Many described him as an artist who remained devoted to his community in spite of his success.