Grammy-Nominated Singer Jubilant Sykes Fatally Stabbed by Son in Santa Monica Home

Grammy-nominated baritone Jubilant Sykes, 71, was fatally stabbed Monday night in his Santa Monica home, authorities said. His son, Micah Sykes, 31, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of homicide.

Santa Monica police responded to a 911 call reporting an assault around 9:20 p.m. in the 1700 block of Delaware Avenue. Officers found Jubilant Sykes inside the home with critical stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene by fire department personnel. Micah Sykes was taken into custody without incident.

The singer's wife, Cecelia Sykes, reported the incident. Santa Monica Police Lt. Lewis Gilmour said that Micah Sykes had a history of mental illness, though its role in the stabbing remains unclear. Authorities believe only the Sykes family was present and that the incident poses no further threat to the public. The motive is under investigation, and forensic processing of the crime scene and weapon is ongoing.

Jubilant Sykes, born in 1954 in Los Angeles, performed across genres including opera, gospel, and spirituals at venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Opera, and the Hollywood Bowl. He collaborated with artists like Carlos Santana, earned a 2010 Grammy nomination for Leonard Bernstein's "Mass," and appeared in films including "Freedom." He is survived by his wife and three sons.

Micah Sykes faces homicide charges, with the case referred to the Los Angeles County district attorney's office. Bail and court details have not been released.