Son of Grammy-nominated singer Jubilant Sykes arrested in father's killing at Santa Monica home, police say
The son of Grammy-nominated singer Jubilant Sykes has been arrested for the killing of his father at his Santa Monica home on Monday night, police say.
The Santa Monica Police Department said officers responded to a residence on the 1700 block of Delaware Avenue around 9:20 p.m. after receiving a 911 call from his wife about a possible assault in progress.
When police arrived, they found the 71-year-old with critical injuries consistent with a stabbing. Members of the Santa Monica Fire Department also responded and pronounced Jubilant Sykes dead at the scene.
Jubilant Sykes was nominated for the best classical album at the 52nd Grammy Awards in 2010. Known for his baritone voice, Jubilant Sykes performed on notorious stages across the world, including the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Apollo Theater, the Hollywood Bowl, the Deutsche Oper Berlin and Arena di Verona in Italy. According to his website, he also worked with some of the "world's finest orchestras and conductors."
CBS Los Angeles received a statement from the singer's management team, ACM 360 Artists, following the news of his death.
"We are saddened to share news of the tragic passing of Grammy-nominated baritone, actor, husband, father, and beloved friend, Jubilant Sykes," the statement said. "Jubilant's remarkable artistry touched millions, and his voice was rightly described as 'art at its highest expression'. Jubilant's deep Christian faith perspective was the foundation of all that he was, and he will be greatly missed."
Police said his son, Micah Sykes, 31, was found inside the home and was taken into custody without incident. They said that his mother told them he had a history of mental illness, but it's unclear if it's related to the stabbing.
Authorities recovered the weapon at the scene and are continuing to investigate the incident and determine what led up to the alleged stabbing.
Micah Sykes was booked for homicide, and police said the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for filing consideration.
Neighbors of the singer spoke with CBS Los Angeles on Tuesday, noting that Jubilant Sykes was modest about his renowned career, and that he could often be found tending to his garden and pruning a tree in front of his home into the shape of a heart.
Anyone who may have any information relating to the case is urged to contact the SMPD Detective Peter Zamfirov at (310) 458-8451 (peter.zamfirov@santamonica.gov) or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at (310) 458-8427.