Male Model Arrested for Burglary After Husband Is Found Dead with Multiple Stab Wounds in N.Y.C. Apartment

A male model has been arrested after his husband — a personal trainer — was found dead with multiple stab wounds inside their Harlem apartment, according to multiple reports.

Jacob Zieben-Hood, 34, was discovered around 4 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 1, at his residence on West 138th Street, NBC 4 New York reported, citing charging documents. Jacob worked for the fitness company SystimFit, as seen on his Instagram.

According to a statement obtained by PEOPLE from a New York Police Department spokesperson, “Police responded to a 911 call for an unconscious male inside 250 West 138 Street within the confines of the 32 Precinct. Upon arrival, officers observed an unconscious 34-year-old male with multiple stab wounds to his legs. EMS responded and pronounced the male deceased on scene.”

No charges have yet been filed in connection with the death, though the investigation remains ongoing.

NBC 4 New York, citing prosecutors, reported that Jacob was found slumped over a toilet with injuries to various parts of his body — including a head gash and deep leg wounds, one of which reached the muscle.

Jacob’s husband, 40-year-old Donald Zieben-Hood, has since been arrested, according to the New York Daily News. He was arraigned on Sunday, Aug. 3, on charges including burglary, criminal contempt, and weapons possession. Although he has not been charged with Jacob’s death, authorities are treating the case as a homicide, NBC 4 reported.

PIX11, citing court records, reported that the couple allegedly had a physical altercation the previous evening, around 7 p.m. on July 31.

During the dispute, Jacob reportedly called his father and said Donald was preventing him from leaving and had threatened him with a knife. NBC 4 New York stated that Jacob’s father told authorities he heard Donald yelling at Jacob and calling him names in the background of the call.

Donald later claimed he fell asleep after the argument and awoke around 4 a.m. to find Jacob dead, according to the New York Post.

PIX11 reported that prosecutors allege Donald used a knife to cut Jacob on the head and leg before dialing 911. He allegedly told the operator that he was concerned about being arrested due to a protective order that had been issued against him.

When officers arrived at the apartment, Donald had three cuts on his arm that required stitches. He claimed Jacob had attacked him with a knife, NBC 4 reported.

The couple had a documented history of domestic violence dating back to 2022, according to officials. PIX11 also reported that Donald has two open criminal contempt cases, one of which involves accusations that he strangled Jacob twice in a single night.

The New York State Unified Court System did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment. There was no attorney contact information available for Donald Zieben-Hood.