SANTA MONICA, CA – New details from an autopsy report show that Grammy-nominated opera and gospel singer Jubilant Sykes suffered more than 70 injuries when he was allegedly killed by his son inside his Santa Monica home, according to a published report.
Sykes, 71, was found dead on Dec. 8, 2025, after police responded to his residence. His death was ruled a homicide caused by multiple stab wounds, according to a Los Angeles County medical examiner’s autopsy report obtained by Us Weekly.
Information reviewed by Street People indicates the medical summary documented at least 73 wounds, including 68 sharp-force injuries and five blunt-force injuries.
The report said the weapon used in the stabbing was a curved knife with a blade measuring about 9 inches long and 2 inches wide. Sykes was also reportedly struck with a 10-pound dumbbell.
Sykes was pronounced dead inside the home shortly after officers arrived.
His son, Micah Sykes, 31, was arrested at the scene and later charged with murder and infliction of injury on a vulnerable victim. He has remained in custody without bail since his arrest, according to the report.
The autopsy report also included an account from Sykes’ wife, Cecelia Sykes, who told authorities her son had a documented history of mental illness and had stabbed her husband.
According to the report, Cecelia Sykes was in the shower when she heard Jubilant Sykes yell for her to call 911. When she came out, she saw their adult son standing over him and stabbing him with what was described as an apparent sharp-edged weapon.
Micah Sykes’ next arraignment is reportedly scheduled for August.
Jubilant Sykes was an acclaimed American baritone who performed internationally across opera, concert productions, musicals and contemporary worship music.
He earned a Grammy nomination for his role as the Celebrant in a recording of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass. Over the course of his career, he collaborated with artists including Julie Andrews, Renée Fleming and Josh Groban, and performed at major venues including Carnegie Hall, as well as stages in London and Berlin.
Those close to him said he was happiest at home in Santa Monica and at church.
The criminal case remains ongoing.
