Police are investigating the death of Jubilant Sykes after the singer was stabbed in his Los Angeles family home.
On December 8, 2025, police in Santa Monica, California, responded to a residence after a 9-1-1 caller reported an assault in progress.
According to police, officers located Sykes with critical injuries consistent with a stabbing. Santa Monica Fire Department personnel responded and pronounced the individual deceased at the scene. He was 71.
Authorities later arrested Jubilant’s son, Micah Sykes. He is expected to be booked on suspicion of homicide, and the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for consideration, authorities said.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation,” Santa Monica Police said in a press release. “This appears to be an isolated incident occurring within a private residence, and there is no ongoing threat to the community.”
Keep reading to learn more about Jubiliant’s career and the investigation surrounding his death:
Who Was Jubilant Sykes?
Jubilant was a renowned baritone who performed with orchestras and at major venues worldwide.
During his career, the artist had the opportunity to sing at New York’s Carnegie Hall, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington and the Barbican Center in London.
He played the role of the Celebrant in the 2009 recording of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass, which earned him a Grammy nomination.
“Initially, I had no dreams of becoming an opera singer,” he recalled to his college alma mater in 2019. “But that changed when I was at Cal State Fullerton. I had teachers who poured their lives into me. I had everything I needed right on campus to prepare me for my career.”
Who Is the Suspect in Jubilant Sykes’ Death?
Police confirmed the victim’s 31-year-old son Micah was found inside the residence when authorities responded to the 9-1-1 call. He was taken into custody without incident and will be booked on suspicion of homicide, officials said.
Neighbors told KTLA that Micah struggled with homelessness and mental health issues.
“We did learn that the son has a history of mental illness,” Santa Monica police Lt. Lewis Gilmour told KABC. “However, at this point, it’s unclear what circumstances led up, if there was any altercation or argument we’re investigating that angle right now.”
According to online court records viewed by Us Weekly, Micah’s next court date is scheduled for December 11, 2025, where he is expected to be booked and could enter a plea. It’s unclear if he has obtained legal representation. His bail was set at $2 million.
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How Have Friends Reacted to the Crime?
Although police shared in a press release that Jubilant’s death was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat to the community, several friends expressed shock at the turn of events.
“It is very shocking,” friend Reaver Bingham told KTLA. “ It is beyond words.”
Family member Vienna Hayes described Jubilant as an “amazing singer, amazing person, amazing husband, amazing father.”
Santa Monica High School also paid tribute to the former student via Facebook, writing, “He was an outstanding human being with a very special voice. Married to his high school sweetheart and always loyal to Samohi and Santa Monica, he was a lifelong Viking who is a tremendous loss for Samohi and the entire community.”
