Additional Coverage:
- Singer Jubilant Sykes fatally stabbed at his California home, and his son is in custody (nbcnews.com)
Santa Monica, CA – The music world is mourning the loss of Grammy-nominated opera singer Jubilant Sykes, 71, who was fatally stabbed at his Southern California home on Monday night.
The Santa Monica Police Department has identified Sykes’ son, Micah Sykes, 31, as the alleged assailant. He has been booked on suspicion of homicide.
Authorities responded to a report of an assault in progress at the family’s Santa Monica residence, where they found Jubilant Sykes with critical injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Micah Sykes was reportedly found inside the home and taken into custody without incident. A weapon has been recovered and is currently being processed as evidence.
The case is being forwarded to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. It is not yet clear if Micah Sykes has legal representation.
Jubilant Sykes was a revered classically trained baritone whose music transcended genres, incorporating elements of gospel, jazz, and folk. His powerful rendition of Leonard Bernstein’s “Mass” earned him a Grammy Award nomination in 2010. His passing leaves a significant void in the musical community.