Renowned opera singer Jubilant Sykes stabbed to death in Santa Monica home; son in custody

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (KABC) -- Renowned opera singer Jubilant Sykes was found stabbed to death inside his Santa Monica home, and his 31-year-old son was taken into custody, police said.

Officers responded to a report of an assault at a home in the 1700 block of Delaware Avenue around 9:20 p.m. Monday.

When officers arrived, the victim's wife was at the door.

Police said 71-year-old Jubilant Sykes, a Grammy-nominated opera singer, was found with "critical injuries consistent with a stabbing" and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Micah Sykes, the victim's son, was found inside the home and taken into custody without incident, according to police.

"The suspect will be booked for homicide, and the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for filing consideration," Santa Monica police said in a statement.

Forensic specialists were seen processing evidence early Tuesday morning. Police said the weapon has since been recovered.

It's unclear what led to the incident.

"I walked over and saw the crime tape and knew that something big had happened," said a neighbor who did not want to be identified. "The coroner was here, and it's just a very quiet neighborhood. It's very scary. I heard it was a domestic dispute, but it's just sad when that happens around the holidays."

Investigators told Eyewitness News the suspect has a history of mental health struggles and is cooperating with police.

"We did learn that the son has a history of mental illness. However, at this point, it's unclear what circumstances led up, if there was any altercation or argument we're investigating that angle right now," said Santa Monica police Lt. Lewis Gilmour.

Family members say Sykes and his wife were dedicated to helping their son, who lived with his parents.

Who was Jubilant Sykes?

Sykes was a well-known, Grammy-nominated opera singer with a career that spanned decades. He sang at hundreds of major venues around the world as well as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall.

Vienna Hayes, the cousin of the victim, said he was an "amazing singer, amazing person, amazing personality. He was just a light."

Many described him as an artist who remained devoted to his community in spite of his success.

"He's always doing things throughout the world, but never forgot where he came from," said Pam Forbes.

Dave Kleinknecht met Sykes at Pacific Crossroads Church in Santa Monica where the 71-year-old would often perform.

"Jubilant lived out his name. He had such jubilation for everything in life," Kleinknecht said. "He was really just a force of love."

Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact SMPD Detective Peter Zamfirov by calling 310-458-8451 or emailing peter.zamfirov@santamonica.gov.

The Santa Monica police Watch Commander is available any time at 310-458-8427.