On Monday evening, Grammy-nominated opera, classical and gospel singer Jubilant Sykes was found stabbed to death inside his Santa Monica home. Police have since arrested his son on suspicion of carrying out the attack.
Jubilant Sykes’ son, Micah, was taken into custody in connection to the stabbing
Officers were called to a home in the 1700 block of Delaware Avenue around 9:20 p.m. after someone inside the residence called 911 to report an assault in progress, according to a news release from the Santa Monica Police Department.
“Officers quickly arrived on scene and contacted the reporting party, who directed them inside the home,” the new release read in part.
Upon entering the residence, officers found Sykes with “critical injuries consistent with a stabbing.” At 71, Sykes was pronounced dead at the scene.
Sykes’ 31-year-old son, Micah Sykes “was found inside the residence and taken into custody without incident,” police said. He was booked on Tuesday on homicide charges; his court date is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 11, according to USA Today.
The stabbing of Jubilant Sykes remains an open investigation
The bail for Sykes’ son was set at $2 million, and police are saying that “the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.”
Detectives from Santa Monica Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division recovered evidence from the crime scene, including the alleged weapon. Forensic specialists are processing it as the incident remains under investigation.
“This appears to be an isolated incident occurring within a private residence, and there is no ongoing threat to the community. SMPD has maintained a presence in the area throughout the investigation,” police said, per the news release.
Friends and peers speak out after Jubilant Sykes’ death
In an interview with KTLA, Sammy Murphy, Sykes’ neighbor and friend described Sykes as a “good spirit, good-hearted person.”
“I was born and raised in Santa Monica, so we were really pretty close out here,” Murphy told KTLA.
ACM 360 Artists President David Thomas also confirmed the “tragic passing” of Sykes, whom he called a “Grammy-nominated baritone, actor, husband, father, and beloved friend,” according to USA Today.
“Jubilant’s remarkable artistry touched millions, and his voice was rightly described as ‘art at its highest expression.’ Jubilant’s deep Christian faith perspective was the foundation of all that he was, and he will be greatly missed,” Thomas said.
Jubilant Sykes was a renowned musician
Throughout his illustrious career, Sykes was celebrated for his extraordinary vocal versatility, blending classical training with gospel, jazz and folk influences, according to an official biography on his website.
Sykes has performed on some of the world’s largest stages, including the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, the Apollo Theater and the Hollywood Bowl. He also worked alongside leading orchestras under renowned conductors worldwide.
In 2009, Sykes earned a Grammy for Best Classical Album for his rendition of Leonard Bernstein‘s “Mass.”
He is survived by his wife, Cecelia, and two other sons, whose names are unknown.