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Grammy-nominated baritone Jubilant Sykes suffered 73 stab wounds in a fatal attack at his Santa Monica home last December, according to autopsy records released by the Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner, Page Six reports.
The 71-year-old musician was found dead at his California residence on Dec. 8, 2025. Medical documents list the cause of death as multiple stab wounds and officially categorize the case as a homicide, according to Us Weekly.
The autopsy report details 68 wounds caused by sharp force and five from blunt force trauma. Investigators believe the attacker used a 10-pound dumbbell and a curved knife with a blade measuring approximately nine inches long.
Sykes’ son, 31-year-old Micah Sykes, was arrested at the scene and charged with murder. Documents obtained by Us Weekly include statements from the singer’s wife, Cecelia Sykes, who said she was in the shower when she heard her husband yell out for her to call 911. When she exited the shower, she saw her adult son standing over Jubilant and stabbing him with a sharp-edged weapon, according to the documents.
Micah Sykes has a documented history of mental illness, including a diagnosis of schizophrenia, according to Page Six. A 2017 restraining order petition filed against him by another individual described his behavior as unpredictable and claimed he had been violent with his own family members. He had previously been placed on an involuntary psychiatric hold following an attempted break-in.
Toxicology reports found no illicit drugs or prescribed medications in the musician’s system.
Jubilant Sykes was a celebrated performer who had been married to Cecelia, his childhood love, for 37 years. The couple shared three sons: Micah, Madison and Morgan.
Micah Sykes is being held without bail due to concerns regarding his mental health. His next arraignment is scheduled for August.
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