Santa Monica police Tuesday were investigating a homicide at a home in the Pico neighborhood of Santa Monica where one man, reported to be an accomplished opera singer, was found dead and another was taken into custody.
Police responded at 9:20 p.m. Monday after receiving a 911 call about an assault at 18th Street and Delaware Avenue, east of Santa Monica College, according to Lt. Lewis Gilmour of the Santa Monica Police Department.
The person who called directed officers into the home, where they found a man with “significant injuries,” Gilmour said.
Santa Monica Fire Department personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.
According to neighbors who spoke with reporters at the scene, the victim was 65-year-old Jubilant Sykes, a baritone who has performed at many of the top opera houses in America and abroad.
“An adult male was detained at the residence without incident and remains in police custody as the investigation continues,” the lieutenant said.
The identities of the involved parties were not disclosed, but one neighbor said Sykes had been shot by his son.
“Based on the preliminary investigation, detectives believe this was an isolated incident contained within the household,” Gilmour stated, adding that the investigation remains active.
Police cordoned off the area around the residence and video from the location showed officers collecting evidence.
