Grammy-nominated gospel singer Jubilant Sykes was stabbed to death in his Santa Monica home Sunday night and his son was detained at the scene, police said.
The 71-year-old man, a prominent singer and actor, was pronounced dead shortly after police arrived at the residence, according to Santa Monica Police Lt. Lewis Gilmore. There they also discovered their son, Micah Sykes, 31, still inside the Delaware Avenue home. He was booked on suspicion of murder.
Throughout her career, Jubilant Sykes performed in venues around the world and in all genres (opera, gospel, spirituals, show tunes, folk and pop) working with figures such as Renée Fleming, Terence Blanchard, Carlos Santana, Julie Andrews and Brian Wilson. His resume included the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, the Apollo Theater and the Metropolitan Opera. In 2010, he earned a Grammy nomination for his recording of Leonard Bernstein's “Mass.”
On Sunday, Sykes' wife, Cecelia, initially reported the incident as an assault. She told investigators that her son had a history of mental illness, although detectives have not determined whether he had anything to do with the murder.
“The suspect was cooperative and was taken into police custody without incident,” Gilmore said. “The entire tragedy took place within the confines of the family home.”
Police had not received any recent domestic calls involving the family prior to the incident and the motive remains under investigation, police said.
“She was not actually aware of an altercation or argument that led to the stabbing,” Gilmore said, adding that Cecelia Sykes did not report feeling in danger during the incident. “I know the suspect had free access to the house. It's unclear if he lived there full-time or part-time, but it's the family home and he was allowed to be there.”
Police believe only the couple and their son were inside at the time.
Jubilant Sykes was born in Los Angeles in 1954 and his unique name came courtesy of his mother.
“He gave me that name simply because he wanted me to be jubilant,” Sykes told the Times in 1996. “And when it comes to music, I am.”
He grew up in the city and sang soprano as a child until his voice changed. Sykes later said that he somewhat lost interest in music until a music teacher showed him how to use his new teenage voice.
“I don't remember ever stopping singing,” he told The Times in 1999, recalling the music that filled the house and piano lessons as a child.
After graduating high school, Sykes majored in music at Cal State Fullerton.
“I just jumped into it, having no idea,” he said years later.
His shift toward classical singing was solidified after winning first place at the Metropolitan Opera's regional auditions in Los Angeles, which led to his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1990.
He also appeared on film soundtracks and took on occasional acting roles, including in the Cuba Gooding Jr. film “Freedom” and the musical “1776” at the New York City Center. In Southern California, he performed on the opening night bill of the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center in 2008 and in 2006 in a performance with Carlos Santana at the Hollywood Bowl.
In addition to his wife and son, Jubilant Sykes is survived by two other children.
According to Gilmore, an investigation into Sunday's stabbing is underway.
Details about Micah Sykes' bail and first court appearance were not immediately available.
