A tragic event unfolded in Santa Monica, California, as authorities arrested a 31-year-old man following the discovery of his father, Jubilant Sykes, a distinguished opera singer, dead in his home.
Police arrived at a residence on the 1700 block of Delaware Avenue on Monday night, responding to a call reporting an assault.
Upon their arrival, officers found 71-year-old Jubilant Sykes with severe injuries typical of a stabbing incident, and he was declared dead at the scene.
Jubilant Sykes was a celebrated figure in the opera world, having earned a Grammy nomination for Best Classical Album in 2010.
The victim’s son, Micah Sykes, was present at the location and subsequently detained by the police.
In a statement released on Tuesday morning, the police confirmed, “The suspect will be charged with homicide, and the case will be submitted to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for potential filing.”
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 peter.zamfirov@santamonica.gov.
You can also call the SMPD Watch Commander any time at 310-458-8427.
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