5 Shocking Revelations In The Case Of Model & Fitness Guru Donald Zieben-Hood

The high-profile case involving former male model and fitness influencer Donald Zieben-Hood continues to dominate headlines, with the latest legal proceedings painting a devastating portrait of alleged intimate partner violence and a tragic end to a marriage. As of today, December 14, 2025, the focus remains on the serious felony charges brought against Zieben-Hood following the death of his estranged husband, Jacob Zieben-Hood, in their Harlem apartment.

The stark contrast between Donald Zieben-Hood’s public image as a sought-after New York City model and fitness guru, and the allegations of an escalating pattern of abuse, has sent shockwaves through the LGBTQ+ community and the wider fitness industry. The legal timeline, confirmed by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, details a disturbing sequence of events that culminated in a homicide ruling.

The Complex Profile of Donald Zieben-Hood: A Biography

Donald Zieben-Hood, who was 40 years old at the time of his arrest, was a recognizable figure in the competitive New York City modeling and fitness scenes. His public profile suggested a life dedicated to health, physical perfection, and influence, often showcasing his work as a popular model and personal trainer.

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• Full Name: Donald Zieben-Hood
• Age: 40 (at time of incident)
• Known Occupations: Male Model, Fitness Trainer, Fitness Influencer/Guru
• Spouse (Estranged/Deceased): Jacob Zieben-Hood (34), a fellow personal trainer and fitness influencer
• Primary Residence: Harlem apartment, West 138th Street, New York City
• Legal Status: Indicted on multiple felony charges, held without bail

His career spanned both the runway and the gym floor, a dual role that positioned him as a social media personality with a significant following. Before the tragic events unfolded, Donald and his husband, Jacob Zieben-Hood, were often seen as a prominent couple within the city’s queer fitness community.

Timeline of Tragedy: The Jacob Zieben-Hood Homicide Case

The investigation into the death of 34-year-old Jacob Zieben-Hood revealed a disturbing history of alleged domestic violence that preceded the fatal incident. The official timeline of events, as laid out by the Manhattan District Attorney's office, paints a picture of a relationship in crisis marked by escalating threats and physical violence.

The most crucial details emerged from the night of July 31, 2025. According to authorities, Jacob Zieben-Hood was on the phone with his father, relaying a terrifying account of the final altercation with his estranged husband. During this distressing call, Jacob allegedly told his father that Donald Zieben-Hood “attacked, beat, and sliced him,” even as blood was reportedly gushing from a wound.

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On the following day, August 1, 2025, Jacob Zieben-Hood was tragically discovered dead in the bathroom of their Harlem apartment. The body was found slumped over the toilet, having sustained multiple stab wounds and other injuries. Donald Zieben-Hood was the individual who called 911, but the subsequent police investigation led to his arrest on burglary charges related to the incident.

The official ruling from the Office of Chief Medical Examiner, announced on October 17, 2025, confirmed the death as a homicide. The cause of death was determined to be "multiple blunt and sharp force injuries," including stab wounds to the legs. Furthermore, the medical examiner noted that acute alcohol and lorazepam intoxication, along with chronic alcohol use, were contributing factors to Jacob’s death.

The Charges and Legal Fallout: Intimate Partner Violence Allegations

The legal response to the tragedy has been swift and severe. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced the indictment of Donald Zieben-Hood by a New York grand jury on October 1, 2025. The charges leveled against the former model are highly serious, reflecting the brutality of the alleged crime and the history of abuse.

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D.A. Bragg’s office highlighted that the indictment was based on an "escalating pattern of violence" and multiple acts of intimate partner violence over the course of a year. This focus on domestic violence is a central theme of the prosecution's case, suggesting a long-term abusive relationship that tragically culminated in Jacob’s death.

The specific felony charges brought against Donald Zieben-Hood include:

• Burglary in the First Degree: Two counts (a Class B felony)
• Burglary in the Second Degree: Two counts (a Class C felony)

The use of burglary charges is significant, indicating that prosecutors allege Donald Zieben-Hood unlawfully entered the residence with the intent to commit a crime, despite the apartment being a former shared home. Following his arrest and indictment, Zieben-Hood was ordered to be held without bail, a reflection of the severity of the charges and the perceived flight risk or danger to the community.

The Dual Careers: Modeling and Fitness Influence

Before the arrest, Donald Zieben-Hood was known for his dedication to the fitness lifestyle, often sharing personal training programs and motivational content. His image as a "fitness guru" was intrinsically linked to his modeling career, where his physique was a major selling point.

His estranged husband, Jacob Zieben-Hood, was also a personal trainer and fitness influencer, making their shared professional world a close-knit and public-facing environment. The tragic events have forced a painful examination of the reality behind the carefully curated image of a successful, influential couple in the public eye. The contrast between the glamorous facade of a Manhattan model and the grim reality of a domestic violence case serves as a cautionary tale within the celebrity and influencer spheres.

The case continues to develop through the New York court system. The legal proceedings are closely watched by the public and media, not only due to the high-profile nature of the accused but also because the case shines a spotlight on the often-hidden issue of intimate partner violence. The community awaits further updates on the trial, which will determine the final legal outcome for Donald Zieben-Hood.