SANTA MONICA, Calif. — A 31-year-old was taken into custody after his father, Jubilant Sykes, a renowned opera singer, was found dead inside a home in Santa Monica, California.
Officers responded to a home in the 1700 block of Delaware Avenue Monday night after someone called to report an assault.
Police said 71-year-old Jubilant Sykes was found with “critical injuries consistent with a stabbing” and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The famous opera singer received a Best Classical Album Grammy nomination in 2010.
Photo by Brill/ullstein bild via Getty Images
Micah Sykes, the victim’s son, was found inside the home and was later taken into custody, according to police.
“The suspect will be booked for homicide, and the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration,” said police in a statement released Tuesday morning.
Forensic specialists were seen processing evidence early Tuesday morning. Police said the weapon has since been recovered.
It’s unclear what led to the incident.
“I walked over and saw the crime tape and knew that something big had happened,” said a neighbor who did not want to be identified. “The coroner was here, and it’s just a very quiet neighborhood. It’s very scary. I heard it was a domestic dispute, but it’s just sad when that happens around the holidays.”
Investigators told KABC, our sister station in Los Angeles, the suspect has a history of mental health struggles and is cooperating with police.
Meantime, there are no threats to the surrounding community.
Anyone with information on this incident is being asked to contact SMPD Detective Peter Zamfirov by calling 310-458-8451 or emailing [email protected].
You can also call the SMPD Watch Commander any time at 310-458-8427.
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