Grammy-nominated opera and gospel singer Jubilant Sykes has died after being stabbed at his California home.
Hey son, 31 year old Micah Sykes, arrested on suspicion of murder, Santa Monica. says the police statement on Tuesday.
Officers responded to a 911 call Monday at approximately 9:20 p.m. reporting an assault in progress. Police officers were dispatched to the scene after reporting the incident.
Inside the home, officers found Sykes suffering serious injuries consistent with a stab wound. Doctors pronounced him dead on the spot.
Police located the suspect, the victim's son, inside the home and took him into custody without incident, the statement said.
Investigators are currently processing evidence collected at the scene, including weapons recovered during the incident.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. The suspect will be charged with murder and the case will be referred to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for review,” the statement said.
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Jubilant Sykes was nominated for a 2010 Grammy Award for best classical album for performance in an opera by Leonard Bernstein Weight. He also appeared in the 1990 Metropolitan Opera production. “Porgy and Bess” by Gershwin like Jake.
Over the course of his career, Sykes has performed at many respected venues, including the Kennedy Center, the Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, the Barbican Center in London and the Apollo Theatre.
He was born in Los Angeles in 1945 and began singing as a soprano as a child before growing up to sing as a baritone. He also performed jazz and gospel.
He told NPR in 2002 that he was comfortable singing in any genre, from pop to opera.
“My singing is like breathing—it's an extension of me. I don't think it's something extraordinary. It's my passion,” he told NPR.
Sykes was the artistic director of the Santa Monica Orchestra and sang and provided voiceover for some of the group's performances, the organization said in a statement.
“Jubilant was a true inspiration—his artistry, generosity and kindness touched countless lives,” said Roger Calia, music director of the Santa Monica Orchestra.
— With files from The Associated Press.
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