A fitness model has been arrested after his husband, a personal trainer and influencer, was found dead with multiple stab wounds in their New York City apartment. Donald Zieben-Hood, 40, called 911 on Friday after discovering his husband Jacob Zieben-Hood, 34, slumped over on the toilet covered in blood, with gashes to his head and stab wounds to his legs, including one that severed an artery.
Prosecutors said Donald Zieben-Hood was arrested for violating an order of protection that prohibited him from contacting his husband. He has been charged with first-degree burglary, weapon possession and aggravated criminal contempt. An autopsy is pending to determine if the wounds were accidental, self-inflicted or a homicide.
The couple, both models and fitness influencers, had been together since at least 2016 but had been experiencing issues for months. Prosecutors described an escalating pattern of violence, including two assaults in February where Donald was accused of choking his husband, and a June incident where he allegedly confronted Jacob with a knife, saying “I will attack you.”
On the night of the killing, Jacob told his father that Donald was “coming after him” and preventing him from leaving. The father heard Donald screaming derogatory names in the background. Donald admitted to violating the protection order when he called 911, asking the dispatcher, “I had an order of protection placed against me. I’m getting arrested, right?”
Neighbors reported frequent arguments, with one saying, “They’ve been arguing for months… I knew something tragic would happen.” Donald Zieben-Hood remains in custody and is due back in court for prior charges on August 28.
