What happened
Authorities say Grammy-nominated baritone Jubilant Sykes was found with life-threatening injuries at his Santa Monica home on Monday night and was later pronounced dead at the scene. Police responded to a report of an assault in progress and took his son, Micah Sykes, 31, into custody at the house without incident.
Investigation details
The Santa Monica Police Department identified Micah Sykes as the suspect and booked him on suspicion of homicide. A weapon was recovered at the scene and is being processed along with other physical evidence. The department has said the case will be forwarded to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Family and legal status
As of the latest updates, it wasn’t immediately clear whether Micah Sykes has retained an attorney. Police reports indicate there was no confrontation during the arrest, and investigators continue to gather and analyze evidence.
Remembering Jubilant Sykes
Jubilant Sykes, 71, was a classically trained baritone whose work blended gospel, jazz and folk influences. He earned wide respect in the classical and crossover communities and received a Grammy nomination for his performance in Leonard Bernstein’s “Mass” in 2010.
What’s next
The story is still unfolding. Authorities are handling the investigation and preparing the case for the district attorney. For now, the music world and Sykes’s family and friends are left to process a sudden and tragic loss.
