Opera singer Jubilant Sykes was stabbed more than 70 times in a fatal assault, allegedly perpetrated by his son Micah Sykes, according to an autopsy report obtained by Us Weekly. The Grammy nominee's death has been officially classified as a homicide.
The Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner's report indicates that Sykes sustained "multiple stab wounds" from a knife. His wife, Cecelia Sykes, stated in the documents that their adult son, Micah, who has a "documented history of mental illness," was responsible for the attack.
Cecelia Sykes reported that she was in the shower when she heard her husband yell for her to call 9-1-1. Upon exiting the shower, she witnessed their son standing over Jubilant Sykes, stabbing him with a sharp weapon. The autopsy detailed "at least 73 total wounds," with 68 attributed to sharp force and five to blunt force trauma. The report also noted the use of a "curved knife with the blade measuring approximately 9 inches long and 2 inches wide," as well as a "10-pound dumbbell containing apparent blood stains" in the assault.
Investigators found no illicit drugs or prescribed medications in the musician's system, according to a toxicology report. Sykes was pronounced dead at the scene of his Santa Monica, California, home on December 8, 2025. He was 71 years old.
Micah Sykes, 31, was apprehended at the residence without incident and subsequently charged with murder. Police secured the scene and recovered the weapon. Reports indicate that Micah Sykes had a history of mental health issues, including a diagnosis of schizophrenia. In 2017, a woman filed a restraining order against him, citing his "signs of mental instability" and describing his behavior as unpredictable and potentially violent towards family members. Micah was previously placed on an involuntary psychiatric hold following an attempted break-in and is currently being held without bail due to concerns about his mental health. His next court appearance is scheduled for August.