A Grammy-nominated opera singer was found dead in his California home with critical injuries consistent with a stabbing. The victim, 71-year-old Jubilant Sykes, was pronounced dead at the scene and his wife was reportedly at the door when officers arrived.
Sykes' son, Micah, 31, was taken into custody after police responded to a report of an assault at the home in Santa Monica. The suspect is being booked for homicide, and the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for filing consideration.
According to police, forensic specialists were seen processing evidence early Tuesday morning, and the weapon has since been recovered. It's unclear what led to the incident, but investigators say the suspect has a history of mental health struggles and is cooperating with police.
Neighbors described Sykes as an "amazing singer" and "amazing person" who remained devoted to his community despite his success. He sang at hundreds of major venues around the world, including the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall.
Sykes' cousin, Vienna Hayes, called him an "amazing personality" who was a "light" in everyone's life. Many described him as an artist who never forgot where he came from, always staying true to his roots.
Anyone with information on this incident is being asked to contact SMPD Detective Peter Zamfirov by calling 310-458-8451 or emailing [email protected].
Sykes' son, Micah, 31, was taken into custody after police responded to a report of an assault at the home in Santa Monica. The suspect is being booked for homicide, and the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for filing consideration.
According to police, forensic specialists were seen processing evidence early Tuesday morning, and the weapon has since been recovered. It's unclear what led to the incident, but investigators say the suspect has a history of mental health struggles and is cooperating with police.
Neighbors described Sykes as an "amazing singer" and "amazing person" who remained devoted to his community despite his success. He sang at hundreds of major venues around the world, including the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall.
Sykes' cousin, Vienna Hayes, called him an "amazing personality" who was a "light" in everyone's life. Many described him as an artist who never forgot where he came from, always staying true to his roots.
Anyone with information on this incident is being asked to contact SMPD Detective Peter Zamfirov by calling 310-458-8451 or emailing [email protected].
. I just found out about Jubilant Sykes and his music, and it seems like he was an amazing person who touched the lives of many people around the world 
. It's crazy that someone with a history of mental health struggles could resort to something like this 
. The fact that his son is being taken into custody is definitely concerning 
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. He had such a powerful voice and was able to connect with the audience in a way that's hard to do. It's going to be really tough for his family and fans to process this news 
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. The fact that the suspect is cooperating with police is a good sign, but there's still so much more to learn about what happened 
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I mean he sang with the best of them at Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall... mental health struggles can be so tough on anyone, especially when you're in the public eye, but to think that his own family member would do this is just heartbreaking 
Jubilant Sykes was literally a legend in the music world and to think he's gone like that is just so sad 
. He seemed like such a kind person too, always giving back to his community and staying true to himself 
. Anyone with info on this should totally reach out to the police, we need to get justice for Jubilant 
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This is such a shockin' news about Jubilant Sykes. He was an iconic opera singer who deserved so much love and respect 
. Anyway, I'm sendin' all my love & positive vibes to Sykes' family & loved ones 
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He always talked about how his community supported him when he was just starting out and now it's his family that needs our support during this tough time 
It's just so sad that someone with so much talent and love for their community is taken away from us like this.
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Anyway, my grandma used to love opera and she was obsessed with the Met, so this makes me sad. RIP Jubilant Sykes, you had an amazing career! 
. Still, it's good that his community is rallying around him during this tough time 
. Anyone with info, by the way? The SMPD detective number is definitely easy to remember... I mean, who writes down their phone number on sticky notes like that? 
His commitment to his community was really admirable, you know? He always stayed grounded despite all the fame and success. It's a tragic reminder of how quickly life can change.
. newsflash: the only person who's gonna benefit from this guy being gone is his family (who are prob raking in that Grammy cash). it's not like he was innocent or anything... just saying
... I'm still trying to process what's happening. Jubilant Sykes was an icon in the music world and his passing is just devastating 
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! He was so talented and had such a great impact on the music world, but it's even more heartbreaking that his life was cut short like this 
. Can we all just be better neighbors and look out for each other? 
... and to think, his life was cut short like that 
... I'm sure it's hard for his family and friends to process right now... my heart goes out to them 
... anyway, let's keep sharing our love for Jubilant Sykes' music and celebrating his life 
. The fact that he was such an amazing person and singer, dedicating himself to the community despite all the fame and success... it's just incredible 