Singer Jubilant Sykes Stabbed to Death, Son in Custody

Grammy-nominated classical and gospel singer Jubilant Sykes was stabbed to death at his Santa Monica home on Monday — allegedly by his son, police told KTLA. He was 71.

Officers were called to Sykes’ home at approximately 9:20 p.m. after someone inside dialed 911 to report an assault in progress, police said.

“Officers arrived and contacted the reporting party, who directed them into the home where they located an adult male with significant injuries,” Santa Monica Police Lt. Erika Aklufi said. Sykes, who was not publicly identified as the victim until Tuesday, was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The suspect, the victim’s son, Micah Sykes, 31, was found inside the residence and taken into custody without incident,” police said. He will be booked on suspicion of homicide and the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for consideration, authorities told KTLA.

A native of Los Angeles, Sykes began singing soprano as a child. He has performed at such prestigious venues as the Metropolitan Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, London’s Barbican Centre, the Apollo Theater, Hollywood Bowl, New Orleans Jazz Festival and many others. He performed in the role of the Celebrant in the 2009 recording of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass, which earned him a Grammy nomination.