Grammy-nominated baritone and gospel singer Jubilant Sykes was found fatally stabbed in his Santa Monica home, and police have arrested his 31-year-old son, Micah Sykes, on suspicion of murder. Police were called to the residence on Monday night after a report of an assault in progress, as reported by The Guardian.
Officers entered the home and found the 71-year-old singer suffering from stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to ABC7 and AP News. A weapon was recovered, and Micah Sykes was taken into custody “without incident,” as reported by AP News.
Police described the incident as domestic in nature. There is no ongoing threat to the community, according to investigators. Authorities said the case will be forwarded to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for charging consideration.
Sykes was known for his wide-ranging vocal work across opera, gospel, jazz, and classical music. He earned a Grammy nomination in 2010 for his performance in Bernstein’s Mass, has performed at the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Hollywood Bowl, and internationally at Deutsche Oper Berlin.
Friends and colleagues described him as both a world-class artist and a deeply rooted community figure. One tribute called him “a singer beyond words,” as reported by The Independent.
Detectives are processing evidence and interviewing family members, as police have confirmed the investigation is active. Anyone with information has been asked to contact the Santa Monica Police.
Sykes leaves behind a long legacy of performance on the world’s greatest stages — and a grieving community stunned by the sudden violence inside his own home.
