Grammy-nominated opera singer Jubilant Sykes was found stabbed to death inside his Santa Monica home on Tuesday evening, and his 31-year-old son Micah Sykes has been arrested on suspicion of murder, according to Santa Monica police.
Officers responded to a 911 call at approximately 9:20 p.m. on Dec. 9, 2025, reporting an assault at the family’s Delaware Avenue residence near 18th Street, east of Santa Monica College. When police arrived at the scene, they found the 71-year-old singer with critical injuries consistent with a stabbing. He was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel.
According to Lt. Lewis Gilmour of the Santa Monica Police Department, Sykes’ wife Cecelia called 911 and directed officers into the home. “The person who called — reported to be Sykes’ wife — directed officers into the home, where they found the singer with ‘significant injuries,'” Gilmour said. The couple’s son Micah was found inside the residence and taken into custody without incident. A weapon was recovered at the scene, and forensic specialists processed physical evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.
Micah Sykes is being held on $4 million bail at the Santa Monica Jail. He was scheduled for arraignment on Dec. 11, 2025, at the Airport Branch Courthouse in Westchester, pending a decision by the District Attorney’s Office on formal charges. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation, according to police statements.
Family members indicated that Micah Sykes has a history of mental illness, though investigators have not yet determined whether this condition played a role in the fatal stabbing. Police had not received any recent domestic disturbance calls involving the family prior to Monday’s incident.
Jail records reveal that Micah Sykes was previously arrested on Oct. 24, 2024, by officers from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Pacific Division on charges of felony grand larceny. He was released on his own recognizance the following day, and no criminal charges were ultimately filed against him in Los Angeles Superior Court in connection with that arrest.
Jubilant Sykes, born in Los Angeles in 1954, was a renowned baritone whose distinguished career spanned decades and continents. He earned a Grammy nomination for best classical album in 2010 for his performance as the Celebrant in the 2009 recording of Leonard Bernstein’s “Mass.” His powerful voice and unique style drew on gospel, jazz and folk music influences to create performances that captivated audiences worldwide.
Throughout his illustrious career, Sykes performed at some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Metropolitan Opera and the Hollywood Bowl. He collaborated with celebrated artists including Josh Groban and Julie Andrews.
Sykes maintained deep ties to his local community despite his international acclaim. He was a longtime member of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, where he first sang in 1978. The church remembered him as a beloved brother whose presence was marked by generosity, warmth and genuine love for worship.
In a statement released after his death, Grace Community Church described Sykes as a man whose name suited him well, noting his life radiated the joy of one who had experienced profound faith. “In moments like these, our church family gathers not only to mourn, but also to give thanks — to acknowledge together the goodness of God displayed in a life He graciously lent to us for a season,” the church said in a statement. The church emphasized that while many around the world knew him for his remarkable baritone voice, those who walked with him in fellowship treasured something deeper: a humble, steady faith and a heart that longed for the beauty of faith to be seen and heard through everything he did.
Beyond his classical work, Sykes appeared in the 2014 film “Freedom” and performed on stage in various theatrical productions. His versatility as an artist allowed him to move seamlessly between opera houses and gospel stages, bringing the same level of artistry and conviction to every performance.
Sykes is survived by his wife Cecelia and three sons. The couple had built a life together in the Santa Monica community, where neighbors knew the singer as a dedicated family man who never forgot his roots. Community members described him as someone who remained accessible and generous with his time despite achieving international recognition.
The Santa Monica Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances of the stabbing. Detectives are working to determine what led to the fatal encounter between father and son inside the family home. The case has been presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.
The loss of Jubilant Sykes represents a significant void in both the classical music world and the local faith community that embraced him for nearly five decades. His unique ability to bridge multiple musical genres while maintaining authenticity in each made him a distinctive voice in American music. His contributions to opera, gospel and classical music left an indelible mark on audiences who experienced his performances across generations.
