Grammy-nominated singer Jubilant Sykes was stabbed to death at his home in Santa Monica, California, and his son was arrested on suspicion of murder, authorities said Tuesday.
Officers responded to a 911 call Monday night reporting an assault in progress at the residence in the coastal city west of Los Angeles, according to a statement from the Santa Monica Police Department.
They found Sykes, 71, inside with critical stab wounds. Paramedics arrived and pronounced him dead at the scene, police said.
The victim’s son, 31-year-old Micah Sykes, was at the home and taken into custody without incident, police said. It wasn’t immediately known if he has an attorney.
Police recovered a weapon and the investigation was ongoing.
Jubilant Sykes was nominated for best classical album at the 2010 Grammy Awards for âBernstein: Mass,â in which he performed the Celebrant role.
He appeared in the 1990 Metropolitan Opera production of âThe Gershwinâs Porgy and Bessâ in the role of Jake.
A Los Angeles native, Sykes was a baritone who was praised as charismatic in a 2008 New York Times review of âMass.â
He told NPR in 2002 that he felt comfortable singing every genre of music, from pop to opera.
âMy singing is like breathing â itâs an extension of me. I donât think of it is extraordinary. Itâs my passion,â he told NPR in a 2002 interview.
Sykes was artistic advisor for Orchestra Santa Monica, and he sang in and narrated some of the group’s performances, the organization said in a statement.
âJubilant was a true inspirationâhis artistry, generosity, and kindness touched countless lives,” said Roger Kalia, Orchestra Santa Monica’s music director.
