NYC model and fitness influencer’s death officially ruled a homicide by medical examiner.

In a tragic development, the death of model and fitness influencer Jacob Zieben has been officially classified as a homicide by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Zieben was discovered in his Manhattan apartment on August 1, 2025, with severe stab wounds to both his head and legs, prompting an extensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding his demise.

The autopsy report revealed that Zieben, aged 34, succumbed to “multiple blunt and sharp force injuries,” with contributing factors of acute intoxication from alcohol and lorazepam, a prescribed anti-anxiety medication. The combination of these substances, particularly when taken with alcohol, can depress the central nervous system, resulting in severe physiological effects.

Zieben’s estranged husband, Donald Zieben-Hood, has emerged as the prime suspect in this case. Following the discovery of Zieben’s body, Zieben-Hood was apprehended and initially charged with burglary, criminal contempt, and weapon possession. However, the charges against him escalated by early October to include aggravated felony assault. Notably, Zieben-Hood has not yet been formally charged with murder, although law enforcement officials have treated the incident as a homicide from the outset of their investigations.

The night prior to Zieben’s death, alarming revelations came to light during a call he made to his father. Zieben reported that Zieben-Hood had attacked him with a knife, confining him within their apartment and sending a graphic photograph depicting a deep cut on his leg. Around 4 a.m. on July 31, Zieben-Hood placed a call to 911, asserting that he had been the victim of an attack, although he did not mention Zieben’s critical injuries.

The investigation uncovered a troubling background of domestic violence. Reports indicate that there had been nine incidents documented involving Zieben-Hood and Zieben, dating back to 2022. In fact, Zieben-Hood had been arrested multiple times for previous assaults on Zieben, including choking and physical attacks. In March 2024, a disturbing incident prompted a neighbor to call emergency services after hearing loud altercations between the couple.

As this ongoing case unfolds, Zieben-Hood remains incarcerated at the Otis Bantum Correctional Center on Rikers Island, following a denial of bail during his arraignment in August. His upcoming court appearance is scheduled for January 7, 2026, as prosecutors continue to gather evidence and build their case against him. The public awaits further developments in a situation that underscores the grave realities of domestic violence and its potential lethal consequences.

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