Grammy-Nominated Vocalist Jubilant Sykes Fatally Stabbed To Death By His Son

Jubilant Sykes, a Grammy-nominated vocalist whose career bridged opera, gospel, jazz, and classical music, was found stabbed to death inside his Santa Monica home on Monday night, December 8. He was 71. authorities confirmed that Sykes’ 31-year-old son, Micah Sykes, was taken into custody at the scene and is being held on suspicion of murder. Santa Monica Police responded to a 911 call reporting an assault in progress at a residence in the 1700 block of Delaware Avenue around 9:20 p.m. that evening. When officers arrived, Jubilant’s wife was at the front door, police said. Inside the home, officers discovered Jubilant suffering from what investigators described as “critical injuries consistent with a stabbing.” Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. A weapon was later recovered, and forensic specialists were observed processing evidence into the early hours of Tuesday morning, December 9. “The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation,” Santa Monica police said in a statement to ABC 7, adding that the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration. Police Lt. Lewis Gilmour told reporters that Micah has a documented history of mental illness and is cooperating with investigators. “At this point, it’s unclear what led up to the incident or whether there was an argument or altercation,” Gilmour said. Family members have said that Sykes and his wife were deeply involved in caring for their son, who lived with them. Neighbors described the area as quiet and close-knit. One resident said the scene was jarring. “I saw the tape and the coroner and knew something very serious had happened,” the neighbor said. “It’s heartbreaking, especially this time of year. Beyond the tragedy, Jubilant leaves behind a formidable artistic legacy. Born in Los Angeles in 1954, he began singing as a child and later studied music at California State University, Fullerton. Though he later became best known as a baritone, Sykes defied genre labels throughout his career.

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