Tragedy struck the world of opera as Grammy-nominated singer Jubilant Sykes was discovered fatally stabbed in his Santa Monica residence on Monday. This shocking incident came to light following a 911 call reporting an ongoing assault.

Authorities were quick to respond, arriving at Sykes’ home shortly before 9:30 p.m. There, they encountered the 71-year-old artist with severe injuries, as confirmed by Santa Monica Police Lt. Lewis Gilmour to MyNewsLA.com. Despite their efforts, Sykes was declared deceased at the scene.

In a devastating turn of events, Sykes’ 31-year-old son, Micah Sykes, was apprehended at the location. He is anticipated to face murder charges, and police have recovered a weapon believed to be involved in the crime, according to Gilmour.

Jubilant Sykes was a cherished figure in the opera community, renowned for his baritone performances with leading orchestras and on prestigious stages. His portrayal of the Celebrant in the 2009 recording of Leonard Bernstein’s “Mass” earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Classical Album, underscoring his immense talent and contribution to the arts.

Residents who knew Sykes spoke fondly of his roots in Santa Monica, recalling his early performances at the Calvary Baptist Church nearby, which marked the beginning of his illustrious career.

“I grew up with him,” Pam Forbes Clayton told reporters. “His mother (was) so involved with this Santa Monica community. Jubilant was a singer beyond words. He sang all around the country, opera. He was so beautiful. And he would just walk from here, two blocks over down the hill and say, `Pam, I need space, can I sing in the (church) sanctuary?’ And I said, `Sure.’ We’d leave him in there. He’d say, `Can I sing over here in the garden?’ We’d leave him there.”

According to his website, heSykesperformed with symphonies all over the country and with conductors such as Teddy Abrams, Marvin Hamlisch, Krisjan Jarvi, Kurt Masur, and John Williams.

He also performed at the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, Deutch Oper Berlin, the New Orleans Jazz Festival, the Apollo Theater, and the Hollywood Bowl and with artists including Julie Andrews, Terence Blanchard, Renée Fleming, Josh Groban,  Patrice Rushen, Carlos Santana, and Brian Wilson.

Sykes appeared in the 2014 film Freedom as the African slave Ozias and the lead in the play Breath and Imagination on the life of Roland Hayes.

Sykes and his wife Cecelia had three sons.