Authorities in New York have revealed the cause and manner of death of a fitness teacher who was discovered dead with slashes to his legs and face inside his apartment in August.
Jacob Zieben-Hood, 34, was discovered in the toilet of his Manhattan residence by his husband Donald Zieben-Hood on August 1 with several stab wounds to his legs, the NYPD previously told PEOPLE.
Donald, a 40-year-old model, was charged with burglary and assault on October 1, according to a statement from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. He has not been charged in relation to Jacob’s death.
The Office of Chief Medical Examiner issued a statement to PEOPLE on Friday, October 17. Jacob’s death was deemed a homicide.
The OCME determined that his death was caused by multiple blunt and sharp force injuries.
According to court filings and allegations made on the record, the DA’s office claimed Jacob messaged his father on the evening of July 31, accusing Donald of hitting him.
Jacob allegedly told his father Donald that he had “attacked, beat, and sliced him,” and texted him photos of his wounds, which included a gash on his leg and his face “covered in blood from a large wound on his head,” according to the DA’s office.
Donald allegedly called authorities at 4 a.m. on August 1 to report that he found Jacob dead in the bathroom, slumped over the toilet, with wounds and cuts on his legs and head.
According to the DA’s office, responding officers discovered the apartment in disorder, with blood splashed on the furniture, walls, floor, and counters.
The investigation discovered that Donald had been accused of assaulting Jacob on at least two other instances earlier this year, both of which violated a protective order.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, Donald allegedly threatened to kill Jacob with a knife during one of the confrontations in June.
Donald was charged with two counts of burglary, assault, criminal contempt, and criminal possession of a weapon in the indictment issued on October 1. He has entered a not guilty plea to all allegations, according to online court records.
It was not immediately clear if Donald will face more charges. The NYPD did not promptly respond to PEOPLE’s request for an update.
Donald’s attorney information is not indicated in court records.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
