Jacob Zieben-Hood, a fitness trainer and social media influencer, was found dead in the bathroom of his Harlem apartment from stab wounds to his leg. His lifeless body was discovered by police around 4 a.m. on August 1, following a call made by his husband, Donald Zieben-Hood, who claimed Jacob had attacked him.
Co-workers at the CompleteBody gym, where Jacob worked, revealed that he frequently appeared with bruises and injuries in the months leading up to his tragic death. They noted that Jacob consistently offered explanations for his black eyes and bruises, attributing them to bad falls and street fights, leading colleagues to suspect that he may have been concealing a cycle of abuse.
Irina Caisin, a manager at the gym, expressed disbelief upon learning of the order of protection against Donald, highlighting the disconnect between Jacob’s public persona and the reality of his home life. “It’s one of those crimes where you might not know this person well, but when you read about it and see the picture-perfect relationship they portrayed, it’s shocking to realize it was all an illusion,” Caisin remarked.
The circumstances surrounding Jacob’s death have led authorities to treat it as a homicide. Prosecutors revealed that Jacob suffered multiple stab wounds, including a severe injury to his leg that resulted in a severed artery, causing him to bleed to death. Donald sustained injuries that required stitches but was found to have been the one who made the 911 call, only after a lengthy delay.
Prior to his death, Jacob spoke to his father on the phone, during which his father overheard Donald shouting abusive insults at him. He later sent his father a photograph of his wounded leg from the bathroom, indicating that his husband had a knife and was preventing him from leaving.
In a twist of tragic irony, despite having an order of protection in place that barred Donald from their apartment, Jacob’s co-workers remained unaware of the extent of the abuse he endured. Caisin reflected on the shocking revelation, stating, “If we knew that he had a restraining order, Donald would never be allowed in here.”
Donald, described by colleagues as a “jealous person,” reportedly spent excessive time at the gym, where he would closely monitor Jacob’s interactions with clients and other trainers. Caisin characterized Donald’s behavior as controlling, noting his interventions when he perceived that other trainers were too friendly with Jacob.
Reports indicate that Jacob had become more visibly bruised in the months leading up to his death, with colleagues noticing his injuries but accepting his explanations at face value. His co-worker, Josh Holland, expressed disbelief that someone as intelligent and fit as Jacob could be a victim of domestic violence.
Prior incidents of violence have put Donald in the legal spotlight. Earlier this year, he was arrested for multiple assaults against Jacob, including choking him and causing facial injuries during separate episodes. He was charged with several offenses, including strangulation and contempt of court for violating the protection order.
Donald’s pattern of violent behavior intensified, with additional charges related to menacing Jacob with a knife just weeks before Jacob’s death. Despite the clear signs of abuse and previous legal encounters, the tragic culmination of Jacob’s suffering ended in his untimely demise.
After Jacob’s death, Donald was arrested once more and is currently being held without bail on charges of burglary, criminal weapons possession, and aggravated criminal contempt for violating the order of protection. The harrowing tale serves as a painful reminder of the hidden struggles many face in seemingly perfect relationships, urging friends and bystanders to be more vigilant and compassionate toward those who may be suffering in silence.
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