Grammy-nominated American baritone Jubilant Sykes, celebrated for his versatile performances blending classical opera, gospel, jazz, and spirituals, was fatally stabbed at his Santa Monica home on Monday evening, December 8, 2025. The 71-year-old singer was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering critical stab wounds.
Santa Monica Police responded to a 911 call around 9:20 p.m. from Sykes' wife, Cecilia, reporting an assault in progress at their residence on Delaware Avenue in the Pico neighborhood. Upon arrival, officers found Sykes gravely injured and his 31-year-old son, Micah Sykes, inside the home. Micah was taken into custody without incident and is expected to be booked on suspicion of homicide. A weapon was recovered, and authorities described the incident as domestic and isolated, with no ongoing threat to the community. The case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Sykes, a Los Angeles native, earned acclaim performing at venues like the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, and the Kennedy Center. He received a Grammy nomination for his role in a 2009 recording of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass and collaborated with artists including Julie Andrews, Josh Groban, and Carlos Santana. He is survived by his wife and three sons.