HARLEM, NEW YORK — Model and influencer Donald Zieben-Hood has been arrested following the death of his husband, Jacob Zieben-Hood, in their Harlem apartment last week. The 40-year-old was taken into custody on Friday, August 1, after Jacob, 34, was discovered with multiple stab wounds.
Jacob was found unresponsive in the bathroom, slumped on the toilet and suffering from fatal injuries to his head and legs. According to court documents, one of the wounds severed an artery, causing fatal bleeding. A homicide investigation is underway, although murder charges have not yet been filed pending autopsy results.
At the time of Jacob’s death, Donald was under two active orders of protection barring him from contact with his husband. He was arrested on charges of first-degree burglary, criminal contempt, and weapons possession. He is currently being held without bail.
According to prosecutors, Jacob had spoken to his father on the phone just hours before his death, claiming that Donald had trapped him inside the apartment. The father reportedly heard Donald shouting derogatory insults at Jacob in the background.
Donald allegedly told police that he and Jacob had a knife fight the night before. He claimed to have gone to sleep afterward, only to wake around 4 a.m. and discover Jacob’s lifeless body.
This is not the first violent incident between the couple. Since 2022, Donald has been involved in at least nine domestic incidents, including previous arrests for choking and threatening Jacob with a knife. Despite repeated allegations of violence and several arrests, he had previously been released on bail—often lower than what prosecutors requested.
In June, Donald was again arrested for allegedly brandishing a kitchen knife and threatening to attack Jacob, violating a restraining order. He was released on $5,000 bail.
Authorities say the case highlights a long-standing pattern of domestic abuse, and further charges may follow as the investigation continues.
