Grammy-nominated opera singer Jubilant Sykes, celebrated worldwide for his powerful baritone voice and charismatic stage presence, was fatally stabbed at his Santa Monica home Monday night. He was 71.
Son Arrested at the Scene
According to the Santa Monica Police Department, officers responded around 9:20 p.m. to a home on the 1700 block of Delaware Avenue after a 911 caller reported an assault in progress.
“Officers arrived and contacted the reporting party, who directed them into the home where they located an adult male with significant injuries,” Lt. Erika Aklufi told KTLA. Fire personnel pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
The injuries were consistent with stab wounds. The victim was later identified as Jubilant Sykes, a Los Angeles native and renowned vocalist whose career spanned decades on some of the world’s most prestigious stages.
Police say Sykes’ son, Micah Sykes, 31, was found inside the residence and taken into custody without incident. He has been booked into the Los Angeles County jail on suspicion of murder and is being held on $2 million bail.
Authorities have not released a motive, and the Santa Monica Police Department will turn the case over to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, which will determine whether criminal charges will be formally filed.
Community in Shock
Neighbor and friend Sammy Murphy identified Sykes to KTLA early Tuesday, expressing heartbreak over the loss of the celebrated performer. News of his death quickly spread throughout the music community, where Sykes was widely respected for his artistry and versatility.
A Distinguished Musical Legacy
Jubilant Sykes’ career took him to some of the most iconic concert halls and festivals around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, London’s Barbican Centre, the Apollo Theater, the Hollywood Bowl, and the New Orleans Jazz Festival.
He collaborated with acclaimed artists such as guitarist Christopher Parkening and performed both classical and crossover repertoire, earning accolades for his rich tone and magnetic performances.
Sykes starred as the Celebrant in the Grammy-nominated 2009 recording of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass with the Morgan State University Choir and Baltimore Symphony Orchestra under conductor Marin Alsop.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities say the investigation remains active, and no motive has yet been determined. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office will review the case once police finalize their reports.
Jubilant Sykes leaves behind a legacy of groundbreaking performances, global acclaim, and artistic excellence that reshaped the boundaries of classical and contemporary vocal music.
