Jubilant Sykes: what led to the fatal stabbing inside his home

Grammy-nominated opera singer Jubilant Sykes has been stabbed to death inside his Santa Monica home in what police are calling an isolated domestic incident. He was 71.

Officers were called to a home on Delaware Avenue on Monday night following a report of an assault in progress. When they arrived, Sykes’ wife was at the door. Police said the singer was found with critical injuries consistent with a stabbing and was pronounced dead at the scene.

His son, 31-year-old Micah Sykes, was found inside the residence and taken into custody without incident. Police said he has been booked on suspicion of homicide. The suspected weapon has been recovered and the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney for filing consideration. His bail has been set at $2 million, according to jail records.

Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the surrounding community. A neighbour described the area as a quiet neighbourhood and said the incident was especially distressing given the timing near the holidays.

Police confirmed that the suspect has a history of mental health struggles and is cooperating with investigators. The circumstances leading up to the stabbing remain under investigation.

Who was Jubilant Sykes

Sykes was a celebrated baritone whose career spanned decades. He performed at major venues around the world, including the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall.

He was best known for his role as the Celebrant in the Grammy-nominated 2009 recording of Leonard Bernstein’s ‘Mass’ with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra under conductor Marin Alsop.

A cousin described Sykes as an “amazing singer” with a warm personality, while friends said he remained deeply devoted to his community despite his international success.

Aasiya Nazir