Cause of Death Revealed for Fitness Guru Found Stabbed in N.Y.C Apartment After Texting Dad Photos of Alleged Assault

Cause of Death Determined for Fitness Expert Found Stabbed in New York City Apartment After Alerting Father With Images of Suspected Assault

Authorities in New York City recently disclosed the cause and manner of demise of a fitness guru who was discovered deceased with lacerations on his legs and face within his residence in August. Jacob Zieben-Hood, aged 34, was found in the restroom of his Manhattan apartment by his partner, Donald Zieben-Hood, on August 1, according to information provided by the NYPD to PEOPLE magazine. Donald, a 40-year-old model, was apprehended on October 1 on various charges, including burglary and assault, as stated by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. Nonetheless, he has not been accused in connection with Jacob’s demise, which has been determined as a homicide, as per the declaration from the Office of Chief Medical Examiner on Friday, October 17th to PEOPLE.

The official report revealed that Jacob Zieben-Hood’s cause of death was due to multiple blunt and sharp force traumas, as reported by the OCME. The unfortunate incident unfolded after Jacob allegedly messaged his father on the evening of July 31, disclosing that Donald was assaulting him. Jacob reportedly informed his father that Donald had “attacked, beat, and sliced him,” and shared photos of his injuries, depicting a gash on his leg and a blood-covered wound on his face, according to the DA’s office. In the early hours of August 1, Donald contacted the authorities and notified them that he found Jacob lifeless in the bathroom, seated atop the toilet, with wounds on his legs and head.

Upon arrival at the scene, law enforcement discovered the home in disarray, with blood spatter evident on the furnishings, walls, floor, and countertops, as communicated by the DA’s office. Further investigations unveiled that Donald had been implicated in assaulting Jacob on multiple occasions earlier in the year, breaching a restraining order in both instances. In one occurrence in June, Donald purportedly menaced Jacob with a knife, according to official statements. Following the October 1 indictment, Donald was charged with offences including burglary, assault, criminal contempt, and possession of a weapon, to which he has pleaded not guilty, as per online court records. The possibility of additional charges against Donald remains uncertain at this juncture, with the NYPD yet to furnish a response to PEOPLE’s inquiry.

For individuals facing domestic violence situations, the National Domestic Violence Hotline offers comprehensive support, accessible via the hotline number 1-800-799-7233, or by visiting thehotline.org for assistance. The hotline operates around the clock, providing services in over 170 languages while upholding confidentiality. As the legal proceedings advance, details concerning legal representation for Donald are seemingly absent in court records. PEOPLE magazine remains committed to providing updates on this developing story.