State of New York v. Donald Ziebenhood

New York City, New York, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with two counts of Burglary in the First Degree, two counts of Burglary in the Second Degree, one count of Assault in the Second Degree, two counts of Aggravated Criminal Contempt, eight counts of Criminal Contempt in the First Degree, and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree.



"As alleged, Donald Ziebenhood escalated his threatening conduct towards his husband in multiple acts of intimate partner violence over the course of a year. My thoughts are with Mr. Zieben's loved ones,” said District Attorney Bragg. "If you or someone you know is being abused by a current of former partner, we encourage you to call us at 212-335-9373 where trained professionals can provide resources and help.”



As alleged in court documents and statements made on the record, ZIEBENHOOD assaulted his husband, Jacob Zieben, in three separate alleged incidents in 2025.



First, on February 25, 2025, ZIEBENHOOD assaulted his husband, Jacob Zieben, in their Harlem apartment in violation of a full order of protection issued in November 2024. Jacob Zieben called 911 and the police eventually arrested ZIEBENHOOD. Another order of protection was issued ordering ZIEBENHOOD to stay away from Jacob Zieben, his home, and place of employment.



Next, on June 14, 2025, ZIEBENHOOD went to back to Zieben's apartment and threatened to kill him with a knife, in violation of the full order of protection issued in February 2025. When police responded, ZIEBENHOOD refused to open the door of the apartment for police. They eventually entered the apartment and arrested him. Another order of protection was issued ordering ZIEBENHOOD to stay away from Jacob Zieben, his home, and place of employment.



Last, on July 31, 2025, Jacob Zieben told his father over the phone that ZIEBENHOOD was assaulting him and texted his father photos of small cuts to his face and head. That evening, at around 8 p.m., Jacob Zieben sent his father a photo of his face, which was covered in blood from a large wound on his head, and the back of his leg, which had a large bleeding gash. The victim additionally told his family over the phone that ZIEBENHOOD attacked, beat, and sliced him.



At approximately 4 a.m., ZIEBENHOOD called the police and reported that he found Zieben dead on the toilet. When EMS and police responded, they found Zieben dead in the bathroom, slumped over on the toilet with cuts and stab wounds to the back of his leg and a head wound. The apartment had items strewn about with blood on the furniture, walls, floor, and counters.



ZIEBENHOOD was arrested at the scene.



Jacob Zieben's cause of death is still pending and the investigation remains ongoing.



Assistant D.A. Samantha LiTrenta (Deputy Chief of the Child Abuse Bureau) and Assistant D.A. Sydney Taylor (Child Abuse Bureau) are handling the prosecution of this case under the supervision of Assistant D.A.s Heather Buchanan (Chief of the Child Abuse Bureau), Shannon Lucey (Deputy Division Chief of the Special Victims Division), and Executive Assistant D.A. Justin McNabney (Chief of the Special Victims Division). Senior Investigative Analyst Molly Viar, Investigative Analyst Helen Lipsky, and Trial Preparation Assistants Noah Bartlett and Octavio De Leon are providing invaluable assistance in this case.



D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly Officers Brayan Antonio, Bintou Dabo, Brian Brittman and Jessica Kroepfl of the 32nd Precinct.



Charged:



Burglary in the First Degree, a class B felony, two counts

Burglary in the Second Degree, a class C felony, two counts

Assault in the Second Degree, a class D felony, one count

Aggravated Criminal Contempt, a class D felony, two counts

Criminal Contempt in the First Degree, a class E felony, eight counts

Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree, a class A misdemeanor, one count

Criminal charges are not proof of guilt.