Fitness influencer Jacob Zieben’s cause of death ruled homicide after months-long investigation after Manhattan stabbing

Months after fitness influencer Jacob Zieben was found lifeless and covered in blood in his Manhattan apartment, the death has officially been ruled a homicide, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) confirmed to the Daily News on Friday, October 17.

Zieben-Hood, 34, was discovered in the bathroom of his apartment by his estranged husband, Donald Zieben-Hood, on August 1, with multiple stab wounds to his legs, PEOPLE reported, quoting NYPD. Zieben-Hood was arrested on the day after police discovered Zieben dead in their Harlem apartment near Frederick Douglass Blvd.

How Jacob Zieben died

Zieben died from “multiple blunt and sharp force injuries,” with acute alcohol and lorazepam intoxication and chronic alcohol use listed as contributing factors, a representative from OCME said. Lorazepam, an anti-anxiety medication, can lower blood pressure and slow breathing, with effects intensified when combined with alcohol.


According to the Mayo Clinic, lorazepam is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety disorders and provide short-term relief from anxiety symptoms, including those linked to depression. It acts as a central nervous system depressant, slowing brain activity to reduce anxiety.

This anti-anxiety medication can interfere with blood pressure, and the clinic cautions against using it with alcohol.

Charges on Zieben-Hood

Zieben-Hood was initially charged with burglary, criminal contempt, and weapons possession. In early October, prosecutors added charges, including aggravated felony assault. Although he has not yet been charged with murder, authorities have treated the case as a homicide since the beginning.

Disturbing texts sent before death

According to court documents and statements made on record, prosecutors alleged that Jacob messaged his father on the evening of July 31, claiming that Donald was assaulting him.

Jacob allegedly told his father that Donald had “attacked, beat, and sliced him” and sent photos showing a gash on his leg and his face covered in blood from a large wound on his head, the DA’s office said in their statement.

History of domestic violence and violated protection orders

Investigators revealed that Donald had previously been accused of assaulting Jacob on at least two occasions earlier this year, violating a protective order both times. During one of those incidents in June 2025, Donald allegedly threatened to kill Jacob with a knife, according to the DA’s office.

As of the October 1 indictment, Donald has been charged with two counts of burglary, assault, criminal contempt, and criminal possession of a weapon. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, PEOPLE reported, citing online court records. Zieben-Hood is currently incarcerated at Otis Bantum Correctional Center on Rikers Island. His next court date is Jan. 7, 2026.