Grammy-Nominated Baritone Jubilant Sykes Fatally Stabbed in Santa Monica Home; Son Arrested
Baritone vocalist and Grammy nominee Jubilant Sykes was fatally stabbed inside his Santa Monica residence Monday night in what authorities are treating as a domestic homicide involving his son, police confirmed Tuesday.
Officers responded to the home shortly before 9 p.m. after a third party called 911 to report an apparent assault in progress. When police arrived, they located Sykes, 71, inside the property with significant stab wounds. Paramedics attempted treatment, but Sykes was pronounced dead at the scene.
Inside the residence, police detained Sykes’ son, Micah Sykes, 31, without incident. Officers recovered a suspected weapon and took Micah into custody. He was booked on suspicion of homicide and is currently being held on $2 million bail, according to Santa Monica jail records.
Detectives say the incident appears to have occurred inside the residence and was domestic in nature, with no indication of additional suspects or broader public danger. The case is expected to be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for potential charges later this week.
Police have not disclosed whether anyone else was present inside the home at the time of the attack, beyond the caller who reported the alleged assault. Authorities added that early evidence suggests no ongoing threat to the community, and the homicide is considered an isolated event.
According to a 2017 restraining order petition reviewed by Rolling Stone, a Southern California woman previously reported concerns about Micah Sykes’ mental stability and alleged unpredictable behavior. In court filings, the woman described Micah as demonstrating erratic conduct and said he had exhibited threats toward members of his own family.
Court records detail an incident in which Micah approached the woman outside a church, insisting he loved her and believed she reciprocated the feelings. When a man attempted to intervene, Micah allegedly asked, “Do you have a sharp object in your back pocket?” The interaction prompted concerns that led the woman to seek legal protection.
The filings also reference a subsequent incident in which Micah was reportedly placed on an involuntary psychiatric hold following an attempted break-in at the home of a relative of the man who intervened. A judge granted a restraining order in late 2017.
Authorities have not confirmed whether mental health issues played a role in Monday’s homicide. A spokesperson for the Santa Monica Police Department declined to comment further on Micah’s history, citing the ongoing investigation.
Jubilant Sykes enjoyed a distinguished performance career in the world of vocal music. He appeared with major orchestras, opera companies, and ensembles across the United States and abroad, earning acclaim for his versatility across gospel, jazz, classical, and contemporary repertoire.
Sykes earned a Grammy nomination for Best Classical Album in 2009, performing the lead role of the Celebrant in Leonard Bernstein’s Mass with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra under conductor Marin Alsop. His interpretation was widely praised for its emotional depth, commanding stage presence, and stylistic flexibility. Gramophone magazine described Sykes at the time as “the best of all possible Celebrants.”
Born in Los Angeles, Sykes developed a respected reputation as a performer who could move fluidly between genres and connect with diverse audiences. He appeared in major venues, including Carnegie Hall, and collaborated with artists across artistic disciplines, from traditional classical musicians to contemporary composers and jazz performers.
Sykes’ death prompted condolences from colleagues and musicians who worked closely with him throughout his career. Friends remembered him as a devoted father, gifted performer, and mentor who championed artistic expression and accessibility in classical music.
