GRAMMY NOMINATED OPERA SINGER STABBED TO DEATH BY SON. (PHOTO).

Grammy-nominated singer killed in stabbing, son taken into custody

 Grammy-nominated opera singer Jubilant Sykes was fatally stabbed at his Santa Monica home Monday night, and police have arrested his 31-year-old son on suspicion of murder.

Authorities responded to a 911 call around 9:20 p.m. reporting an assault in progress. Officers arriving at the residence were led inside and found Sykes, 71, with injuries consistent with a stabbing. Santa Monica Fire Department personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.

Micah Sykes, the singer’s son, was taken into custody without incident. Investigators recovered a weapon at the home, and the case will be referred to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for review. Police said the incident appears isolated and there is no ongoing threat to the community.

A Los Angeles native, Jubilant Sykes was a renowned baritone who performed at prestigious venues worldwide, including the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Apollo Theater, and Hollywood Bowl. He earned a Grammy nomination in 2010 for Best Classical Album for his role as the Celebrant in Leonard Bernstein’s Mass, recorded with the Morgan State University Choir and Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. He also appeared as Jake in the 1990 Metropolitan Opera production of The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess.

Neighbors remembered Sykes as a cherished member of the Santa Monica community and noted his early musical roots at Calvary Baptist Church. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.