On Dec. 8, 2025, Jubilant Sykes, a Grammy-nominated opera singer, was found mortally wounded in his Santa Monica, California, residence. His 31-year-old son, Micah Sykes, was later apprehended on suspicion of his murder.
The Santa Monica Police Department disclosed that they were alerted to an ongoing assault at a house on Delaware Avenue around 9:20 p.m. Upon their arrival, Sykes’ wife directed the officers into the home where the assault was taking place.
Inside, they discovered the 71-year-old opera singer with significant injuries, consistent with a stabbing. Paramedics declared Jubilant Sykes dead at the scene. Micah Sykes, found within the residence, was taken into custody without any complications.
Micah was subsequently charged with homicide and the case was forwarded to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for review. Forensic specialists collected evidence at the scene, including the weapon believed to have been used in the attack, according to a police statement.
Police Lt. Lewis Gilmour revealed that Micah had a documented history of mental health problems. Sykes and his wife had been devoted to supporting their son, who resided with them. The suspect is cooperating with the investigation, according to authorities.
On Dec. 11, Micah Sykes appeared in court, but his arraignment was postponed to Feb. 11, 2026.
Jubilant Sykes led an illustrious career as a globally renowned baritone, performing at prestigious venues such as the Metropolitan Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Carnegie Hall, London’s Barbican Centre, the Kennedy Center, the Apollo Theater, and the Hollywood Bowl.
Sykes’ performance as the Celebrant in the 2008 recording of Leonard Bernstein’s ‘Mass’ earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Classical Album at the 2010 Grammy Awards. His versatility shone through in his performances across multiple genres, including baritone, gospel, jazz, and folk music.
Born in Los Angeles in 1954, Sykes graduated from Santa Monica High School in 1972. Despite his global fame, Sykes remained deeply connected to his hometown.
Vienna Hayes, Sykes’ cousin, remembered him as a radiant light, praising his musical talent and remarkable character. Several community members and friends echoed these sentiments, recounting Sykes’ strong ties to his roots and his infectious joy for life.
Sykes extended his artistic influence beyond opera, appearing in the 2014 film “Freedom” and collaborating with several esteemed artists throughout his career. His unique voice and artistic range won him critical acclaim and admiration from audiences worldwide.
He is survived by his wife, Cecelia, and three sons. Micah was formally charged with murder by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on Dec. 12, 2025. During a court appearance, Deputy District Attorney Cesar Rodriguez disclosed that Micah had been diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2007 and was supposed to be medicated, but was either under-medicated or not following his doctor’s recommendations at the time of the attack. The prosecutor also revealed that Sykes’ wife, Cecelia, was a witness to the stabbing.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Theresa R. McGonigle ordered Micah to be held without bail, escalating from his initial $4 million bail amount. A protective order was also issued, barring him from contacting his mother. The murder charge includes sentence-enhancing allegations that he used deadly weapons — specifically a knife, garden shears, and a barbell — and inflicted great bodily injury on a person 60 or older.