The son of Grammy-nominated opera singer Jubilant Sykes entered a not guilty plea Thursday to charges stemming from his father’s death last December. Micah Curtis Sykes, 31, faces one felony count of murder with an allegation of deadly weapon use in connection with the fatal stabbing at the family’s Santa Monica home. Prosecutors contend that the defendant used multiple implements in the attack, including a dagger, garden shears, and a barbell. The victim’s wife, Micah’s mother, was present during the incident and contacted emergency services. The renowned baritone was pronounced dead at the scene.
Jubilant Sykes, 71, earned recognition for his performances in classical music, most notably as the Celebrant in a Grammy-nominated 2009 recording of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman released a statement mourning the loss, emphasizing the tragedy of violence perpetrated by family members against vulnerable older adults.
Prior legal matters involving the defendant have surfaced during the investigation. A woman obtained a restraining order against Micah Sykes in 2017 after alleging threatening behavior and unpredictable conduct. According to court documents, he made unwanted romantic advances and reportedly asked someone about possessing a sharp object. He was subsequently placed on an involuntary psychiatric hold following an attempted break-in. If convicted on the current charges, Micah Sykes faces potential life imprisonment.
Originally reported by Rollingstone →
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