A shocking incident occurred in which world-renowned baritone Jubilant Sykes (71), who had been nominated for a Grammy, was stabbed to death at his home in Los Angeles, U.S. Police arrested his son, who was found at the scene, as a suspect.
According to the Daily Mail's report on the 9th (local time), the Santa Monica Police Department received a 911 call at about 9:20 p.m. saying "an assault was in progress," and officers were dispatched. Responding officers found Sykes collapsed with fatal stab wounds and he soon died at the scene.
His son, Maika Sykes (31), was with him at the scene, and police arrested him on suspicion of murder. Police said, "We secured evidence and also recovered the weapon from the scene," and added, "The incident occurred in a single-family residence and was an isolated incident; there is no additional threat to the community."
According to U.S. media, Maika had a history of unstable mental health and violence that caused problems on several occasions. In 2017 a woman obtained a restraining order against him from the court, and records at the time included descriptions of "mental instability," "unpredictable behavior," and "having been violent toward family members." He later underwent involuntary psychiatric hospitalization.
Because Sykes often shared photos with his son on social media that showed family affection, this tragedy has been all the more shocking.
Sykes, who developed his musical talent as a boy soprano in Los Angeles, began his career after receiving formal vocal training at the California State University, Fullerton campus. There he met mentors who recognized his potential and entered the classical stage.
His career spanned the world's top venues, including the Metropolitan Opera, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Barbican Centre, the Apollo Theater, the Hollywood Bowl, and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. He worked with numerous orchestras and ensembles, including collaborations with the late Christopher Parkening.
Sykes's sudden death and the arrest of his biological son shocked the American music world and fans. The circumstances of the incident are still under investigation, and prosecutors are preparing to file charges.
[Photo] Jubilant Sykes SNS
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