A Manhattan fitness instructor found dead in his apartment bathroom has been officially ruled a homicide victim, according to authorities who revealed the cause of death months after the shocking discovery.

Jacob Zieben-Hood, 34, was found with multiple stab wounds by his husband Donald Zieben-Hood on August 1, according to People. The Office of Chief Medical Examiner determined that Jacob died from multiple blunt and sharp force injuries.

Donald Zieben-Hood, a 40-year-old model, was indicted on October 1 on charges including burglary and assault but has not been charged in connection with his husband's death. Court documents reveal a disturbing pattern of alleged domestic violence that preceded the fatal incident.

Evidence Points To Violent Final Night

Jacob had contacted his father on the evening of July 31, claiming that Donald was assaulting him and had "attacked, beat, and sliced him," according to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. The victim sent his father photographs showing a gash on his leg and his face "covered in blood from a large wound on his head."

These text messages and images provided crucial evidence of the alleged assault that occurred just hours before Jacob's death. The documentation captured what prosecutors describe as the final violent encounter between the couple.

Donald called police around 4 a.m. on August 1, reporting that he had found Jacob dead in the bathroom, slumped over the toilet with wounds and cuts on his legs and head. Responding officers discovered the apartment in complete disarray with blood splattered throughout the residence.

Pattern Of Alleged Domestic Violence Emerges

Investigation revealed that Donald had been accused of assaulting Jacob on at least two previous occasions earlier in the year. Both incidents allegedly occurred while Donald was violating a protective order that had been issued against him.

During one particularly threatening incident in June, Donald allegedly threatened to kill Jacob with a knife, according to the District Attorney's Office. This threat demonstrated an escalation in the alleged pattern of domestic violence between the couple.

The protective order violations indicate that Jacob had previously sought legal protection from his husband through the court system. Despite these legal safeguards, the alleged abuse continued according to prosecutors' statements.

Legal Proceedings Move Forward Without Murder Charges

Donald was indicted on October 1 on multiple charges including two counts of burglary, assault, criminal contempt and criminal possession of a weapon. He has entered not guilty pleas to all charges according to online court records.

The absence of murder charges in the indictment raises questions about the ongoing investigation and whether additional charges may be forthcoming. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office has not indicated whether further charges against Donald are anticipated.

Court records do not currently indicate attorney information for Donald, and it remains unclear how his legal defense will address the serious allegations. The NYPD did not immediately respond to requests for updates on the investigation's status.

Lessons to Learn

Though no one can predict or prevent every crime, tragedies like this underscore the importance of proactive safety measures in domestic situations. Here are key takeaways that may help others safeguard themselves or loved ones:

1. Take allegations of abuse seriously. When someone shares concerns of being physically harmed or threatened, it’s important to listen closely and take action, including seeking legal protection, contacting authorities, or offering safe housing options.

2. Follow through on protective orders. Restraining orders are only effective if violations are promptly reported and taken seriously by law enforcement. Repeated violations may be signs of escalating danger.

3. Photos and messages can be lifesaving evidence. As in Jacob’s case, photos and texts detailing injuries and fears can provide crucial documentation for both current and future legal actions. Encouraging victims to document can be critical, although safety should remain the top priority.

Despite these measures, it’s important to remember that crime can happen to anyone—the fault always lies with the perpetrator, and victims should never be blamed.

Why This Story Matters

This case shines a harsh spotlight on the dangers of domestic abuse, even in relationships that appear loving on the outside. It also raises questions about how the criminal justice system handles repeated protective order violations before violence escalates to deadly levels. By sharing Jacob’s story, the public stays informed and can better support victims before it’s too late.

Conclusion

Jacob Zieben-Hood, a beloved fitness coach, was found dead inside his New York City apartment on Aug. 1 with severe stab wounds. His husband, Donald Zieben-Hood, has since been indicted for several felony charges tied to numerous alleged assaults, though he has not been charged in the homicide itself. Jacob had alleged abuse in text messages sent shortly before his death, and authorities are still investigating the full scope of what occurred. The case has brought attention to the role of protective orders, the importance of early intervention, and the tragic consequences when domestic violence escalates unchecked.