Model Accused of Husband's Murder Appears in Court With New Look

Donald Zieben-Hood, 40, appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court on Wednesday for a control hearing in connection with the death of his husband, Jacob Zieben-Hood, 34. Donald Zieben-Hood has been held at Rikers Island on charges related to alleged domestic violence against Jacob, who was found dead in their Harlem apartment in August 2025.

Jacob Zieben-Hood, also a model, was discovered slumped over a toilet with multiple stab wounds. The city's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled his death a homicide in October 2025, citing blunt and sharp force injuries, as well as acute alcohol and lorazepam intoxication and chronic alcohol use. Donald Zieben-Hood has not been charged with his husband's death.

During Wednesday's hearing before Judge Cori Weston, Donald Zieben-Hood, escorted by three officers, wore a beige crewneck sweater and khakis. Unlike previous court appearances, he sported a newly cut hairstyle and a fully grown-out mustache. He scanned the courtroom with little emotion before offering a wide grin as his attorneys discussed the case with the judge. He remained mostly silent throughout the brief proceedings.

Another control hearing is scheduled for November 4, when a trial date is expected to be set. Donald Zieben-Hood was escorted back to a holding cell after the hearing.

Prosecutors have detailed a history of alleged domestic violence between the couple. According to court documents, Jacob Zieben-Hood made a desperate call to his father on July 31, 2025, hours before his death, stating his husband was "coming after him." He reportedly sent photos of fresh injuries, including cuts to his face, head, and a large gash on his leg.

Police responded to the couple's apartment on West 146th Street on August 1, 2025, and found Jacob Zieben-Hood deceased in the bathroom. The crime scene was described as chaotic, with blood found on furniture, walls, and floors, suggesting a violent struggle. Court documents indicate the couple was celebrating their 10-year anniversary the night Jacob died, an occasion that reportedly ended in an explosive fight.

Donald Zieben-Hood was arrested at the scene and has remained in custody since. Past court filings revealed a history of alleged violence between the couple. In the year leading up to Jacob's death, Donald Zieben-Hood reportedly violated multiple orders of protection, including allegations of breaking into his husband's apartment to threaten and attack him. In February 2025, he allegedly strangled Jacob during a beating, and in June, he reportedly returned with a knife, leading to a third restraining order.

Friends of Jacob Zieben-Hood have described him as a vibrant and outgoing individual who became socially withdrawn as his relationship with Donald Zieben-Hood reportedly grew darker. One close friend noted that Jacob began to stop answering calls and even blocked him at one point after he started dating Donald.