A Domestic Tragedy Unfolds in Harlem

August 5, 2025 NEW YORK CITY – A grim discovery in a Harlem apartment has led to the arrest of a 40-year-old male model, Donald Zieben-Hood, in connection with the fatal stabbing of his estranged husband, Jacob Zieben-Hood, 34. The harrowing incident, which police say occurred early Friday morning, has exposed a troubled history of alleged domestic abuse and violated protective orders.

Donald Zieben-Hood was arraigned on Sunday and is being held without bail as prosecutors weigh potential homicide charges. While the investigation is ongoing, he currently faces multiple serious charges, including first-degree burglary, weapons possession, and aggravated criminal contempt—the latter for allegedly violating two active protection orders that were meant to keep him away from the victim.

A Scene of Violence and Allegations

According to court documents and statements from prosecutors, Jacob Zieben-Hood was found deceased in the bathroom of his apartment, "slumped over on a toilet, covered in blood." The victim had suffered severe injuries, including multiple stab wounds and deep gashes to his head and leg. A fatal wound on his calf is believed to have severed an artery, causing him to bleed to death.

The relationship between the two men was reportedly fraught with tension and alleged violence. Prosecutors detailed nine separate domestic incident reports dating back to 2022. Jacob Zieben-Hood had previously accused his husband of repeated abuse, which resulted in several protective orders being issued against Donald.

In a chilling detail revealed during the arraignment, Jacob's father told investigators that his son had called him on Thursday night, just hours before his death, to say that Donald was "coming after him" with a kitchen knife. Neighbors also reported hearing a loud argument between the two men that same night.

A History of Conflict

This isn't the first time police have been involved in the couple's volatile relationship. In February, Donald Zieben-Hood was arrested on charges of strangulation following an alleged fight. Just a month later, officers responded to another 911 call and found Jacob with a bloody gash on his

Donald and Jacob Zieben-Hood.Credit : Dave Kotinsky/Getty

forehead, though both men at the time claimed he had simply fallen. The most recent protective order was filed in June after Donald allegedly threatened Jacob with a kitchen knife.

After the fatal stabbing, Donald Zieben-Hood was treated for several cuts on his arms before being taken into custody. He initially called police, claiming he had woken up to find his husband injured and in need of medical attention.

The case shines a spotlight on the often-hidden dangers of domestic violence and the challenges of enforcing protective orders. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community awaits further details and a final decision on homicide charges.