Tag: Santa Monica Police Deparment

SANTA MONICA—On August 6, Micah Sykes, the son of baritone opera singer, Jubilant Sykes, 71, was charged with one count of murder with special circumstances. According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Sykes was arraigned for the fatal stabbing of his father in Santa Monica in December 2025. Skyes, 31 was charged in case 25CJCF07984 with one felony count of murder with a special allegation that the defendant used a deadly weapon in the commission of the crime. It’s alleged he inflicted great bodily injury upon a vulnerable victim 60 years of age or older. “Our community continues to mourn the senseless loss of Jubilant Sykes whose renowned baritone and legacy of music brought joy to the world. This horrific act of violence is a painful reminder of how older adults remain vulnerable to violence, even from those closest to them. Our elders deserve to feel safe and the office’s Elder Abuse Section is committed to holding those who harm them fully accountable,” stated District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman. At approximately 9:20 p.m. on December 8, 2025, Micah allegedly murdered his father at home using a dagger, garden shears and barbell. Jubliant’s wife, who is also the defendant’s mother, was home and contacted 911. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. To report physical abuse, emotional abuse or neglect, call your local law enforcement or the Los Angeles County Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-877-4R SENIORS (1-877-477-3646). On December 9, 2025, Micah was arrested by the Santa Monica Police Department on felony charges. He was booked into Twin Towers Correctional Facility with no bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 2, 2026. Jubilant Sykes was an internationally acclaimed opera singer who performed at Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, the Kennedy Center, and Italy’s Arena di Verona. In 2009, he earned a Grammy nomination for his performance in the recording of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass collaborated with: Josh Groban, Julie Andrews, Carlos Santana, and Brian Wilson. Micah has a criminal history and was arrested on October 27, 2024, on felony charges. He was issued a court date of November 18, 2024, and released on his own recognizance. By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—The Santa Monica Police Department held a free, family-friendly community event on Tuesday, August 4, from 5 to 8 p.m. Known nationally as National Night Out, the event will include police vehicle displays, kids’ activities, resource booths, entertainment, food, and giveaways. There will also be live music, K9 demonstrations, and a chance to meet officers and firefighters.

The first 1,000 residents who arrived received free Habit burgers, so attendees. The event was held at Santa Monica City Hall, with free parking available in the Civic Center Parking Structure. The SMPD is seeking to build trust by developing a stronger relationship with the community, and also to celebrate the city in general.

National Night Out first began in August 1984 as a symbolic campaign in which neighbors turned on their porch lights and sat outside together. The inaugural event united 2.5 million people across 400 communities in order to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods were organized and fighting back. This year, organizers predict 38 million neighbors across 17,000 communities will participate.

By Milan Manesh

SANTA MONICA—On Tuesday, September 17, the Santa Monica Police Department announced on its Facebook page that it is currently investigating a homicide that took place in the early hours of September 6 in the 1100 Block of 6th Court between 6th and 7th Streets.

Authorities found a male victim, believed to be homeless, who was found deceased from an apparent stab wound in the alley. No suspect has been taken into police custody. No details on the victim’s age or name has been disclosed to the public. Authorities are requesting assistance from the community in obtaining surveillance footage.

Specifically, they are seeking:

-Exterior building surveillance video
-Dash cam footage or recordings from vehicles equipped with recording capabilities, such as Tesla, Rivian, etc.

The footage of interest is from September 6, between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., within the area bounded by Ocean Avenue to Lincoln Boulevard, and from Washington Avenue to Wilshire Boulevard.

The SMPD posted the following statement on its Facebook page:

“We recognize that our community has recently been impacted by several violent crimes and understand the heightened concern these incidents cause. We want to reassure the community that the safety and well-being of our residents remain our highest priorities. Our team is working diligently to identify the suspect(s), and a strong police presence will remain in the area as the investigation continues.”

No details on the suspect(s) has been disclosed to the public. Anyone with information that may assist in the this investigation, please contact SMPD Detective Zamfirov at 310-458-8398.

By Trevor