Opera star Jubilant Sykes fatally stabbed in California; son arrested

Grammy-nominated opera singer Jubilant Sykes was fatally stabbed at a residence in Santa Monica, California, on December 8, authorities reported. His 31-year-old son, Micah Sykes, has been taken into custody in connection with the incident.

According to the Santa Monica Police Department, officers responded to a 911 call at approximately 9:20 p.m. after the victim’s wife – and mother of the suspect – reported an assault in progress. Police entered the home and found Sykes with severe injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Santa Monica Fire Department personnel, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Micah Sykes was located inside the residence and detained without incident. Police said he will be booked on homicide charges. A weapon believed to be used in the attack was recovered at the scene, though no further details were released.

Santa Monica Police Lt. Lewis Gilmour told local media that the suspect has a history of mental illness, but the circumstances leading up to the killing remain under investigation.

Officials described the case as a “family tragedy” and stressed that it appears to be an isolated incident posing no threat to the broader community. The case will be submitted to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for review.

Jubilant Sykes was widely recognised for his powerful baritone voice and was featured on the Grammy-nominated 2009 recording of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass, performed with the Morgan State University Choir and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

By Vugar Khalilov