Opera Singer Jubilant Sykes Fatally Stabbed in Santa Monica

Grammy-nominated opera singer Jubilant Sykes, 71, was fatally stabbed inside a Santa Monica residence on Monday, according to police.

The Santa Monica Police Department said officers responded to the home at approximately 9:20 p.m. after a 911 call reported an assault in progress. Upon entering the residence, officers found Sykes with severe stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Santa Monica Fire Department personnel.

Sykes’ son, 31-year-old Micah Sykes, was located inside the home and taken into custody without incident. Police said he will be booked on a homicide charge. A weapon believed to be used in the attack was recovered at the scene, though authorities have not released further details.

The 911 call was made by Sykes’ wife, who is also the suspect’s mother, police said.

According to Santa Monica Police Lt. Lewis Gilmour, the suspect has a history of mental illness, though investigators have not determined what precipitated the incident. “It’s believed that this is a family tragedy that took place inside the home,” Gilmour told KABC.

Police emphasized that the attack appears to be an isolated domestic incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the public. The case will be forwarded to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for review.

Sykes was widely recognized for his contributions to classical music, including his performance on the Grammy-nominated 2009 recording of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass with the Morgan State University Choir and Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.