A fitness model influencer has been arrested following the discovery of her husband, found dead from multiple stab wounds in their New York City apartment. While she faces charges of robbery and assault, she hasn’t been charged with murder, as the investigation is still ongoing, according to Manhattan prosecutors in court on Wednesday.
Donald Ziebenhood, 40, was booked on various charges, including robbery, assault, and possession of a weapon. Prosecutors are looking into the circumstances surrounding the death of her 34-year-old husband, Jacob.
During the court proceedings, Manhattan aide Samantha Litrenta stated, “This remains a continuing murder investigation.” She also mentioned that no murder charges have been filed yet because the medical examiner has not determined the cause of death.
Reportedly, Donald Zevenhood stabbed Jacob during a domestic dispute on August 1st. The incident occurred around 138th Avenue near Frederick Douglas Boulevard in Harlem, following an argument the night before.
Jacob had reached out to his father during the altercation, expressing concern that he was “following after him,” according to court documents. He was later discovered unresponsive in the bathroom.
On Wednesday, Donald was formally indicted on multiple charges prior to any murder allegations.
It was revealed that Donald had been ordered to leave Jacob but returned to the apartment on June 14th, threatening him with a knife during an argument. Prosecutors indicated there had been nine domestic violence incidents reported dating back to 2022.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg commented on the case, emphasizing the pattern of escalating violence: “As allegedly, Donald Zevenhood escalated his threatening behavior against his husband with multiple acts of intimate partner violence over the course of a year. My thoughts are with Mr. Zeven’s loved ones.”
Jacob, who was in medical school, was found slumped in the bathroom, with multiple stab wounds on his back and neck, as outlined in Donald’s criminal case.
Donald has sustained injuries that required stitches and told police that he engaged in a knife fight with Jacob in their apartment before falling asleep.
The influencer, whose Instagram showcases a glamorous lifestyle to nearly 68,000 followers, claimed he woke up to find Jacob dead after their conflict.
Following the incident, he was arrested and has not been charged with the alleged murder of his former partner.
Supreme Court Judge Koli Weston has ordered Donald to be held without bail, and he is set to appear in court again on January 7th.
