A Grammy–nominated opera singer has been fatally stabbed in his Southern California home, and authorities have arrested his son in connection with the killing.
Jubilant Sykes, 71, was found dead with multiple stab wounds after officers responded to a report of an assault in progress on Monday night, according to a press release from the Santa Monica Police Department issued Tuesday, Dec. 9.
When officers arrived, Sykes’ 31-year-old son, Micah, identified by police as the suspect, was discovered inside the residence and taken into custody without incident, per the release.
He has been booked on suspicion of homicide.
The case has been forwarded to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, which will review the evidence and determine whether to formally file charges, the release noted. The investigation remains ongoing.
Los Angeles County jail records indicate that Micah is being held on $2,000,000 bail.
Authorities described the incident as domestic in nature and said it appears to be isolated, adding that there is “no ongoing threat to the community.” A weapon was recovered at the scene.
Jubilant Sykes, a baritone, received a Grammy nomination for his performance in a 2009 recording of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass. Over the course of his career, he appeared at renowned venues including the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center.
According to his website, Sykes collaborated with artists such as Julie Andrews, Josh Groban, Carlos Santana and Brian Wilson, among others.
He is survived by his wife, Cecilia, and their three sons.
