Donald Zieben-Hood, a gay fitness model, has been arrested following the tragic death of his estranged husband, personal trainer and influencer Jacob Zieben-Hood, who was found with multiple stab wounds in their Harlem apartment.
Zieben-Hood, 32, was taken into custody on August 3 and charged with burglary, criminal contempt, and weapons possession, according to NBC 4 New York. His arrest follows the discovery of Jacob’s body, 34, who was found slumped over a toilet with multiple injuries, including a deep leg wound that penetrated the muscle. A medical examiner has not yet confirmed the official cause of death.
Protective Order Violated
According to authorities, Jacob had previously taken out a protective order against Donald due to a history of domestic abuse dating back to 2022. Despite this legal barrier, Donald had entered the apartment that night, which prompted the charges of burglary and contempt.
Donald was the one who dialled 911, expressing concern to the dispatcher that he might be arrested for violating the restraining order. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found him with three cuts on his arm, for which he later received stitches. He claimed Jacob attacked him with a knife, but prosecutors allege the wounds may have been self-inflicted.
Disputed Timeline and Alleged Altercation
In a confusing timeline of events, Donald claimed that he and Jacob had a heated argument, after which he fell asleep — only to wake around 4 a.m. and find Jacob dead. But prosecutors state that Jacob’s father received a call that evening in which he heard Donald yelling and verbally abusing Jacob in the background.
Authorities are now investigating the case as a homicide, but as of now, Donald has not been charged with murder. He has pleaded not guilty to the current charges and is due back in court on August 7.
The LGBTQ+ community, especially those in New York’s fitness and influencer circles, has been left shaken by the tragic turn of events. Jacob was well known for his training work and online presence, and his death has raised fresh concerns about domestic violence within same-sex relationships.
