A male model accused of a violent pattern of abuse against his husband, who was later found stabbed to death, appeared relaxed and smiling in a New York courtroom. Donald Zieben-Hood, 40, faces a string of violent charges relating to his 34-year-old husband, Jacob Zieben-Hood, but has not been charged over Jacob's death, which was formally ruled a homicide. The case has drawn attention for the disturbing history of alleged domestic violence between the pair, as well as Donald's composed, seemingly unbothered demeanour during his court appearances.

Jacob, also a model, was found dead with multiple stab wounds at the couple's Harlem apartment in August 2025, on the night of their tenth wedding anniversary. Prosecutors say he had phoned his father hours earlier warning that Donald was "coming after him" and sent photographs of fresh injuries. Officers found a chaotic scene with blood spattered across the flat, and Donald was arrested there and has since been held at Rikers Island. Court filings cited by the Daily Mail allege he repeatedly breached protection orders in the year before Jacob's death; his next hearing, where a trial date may be set, is scheduled for 4 November.