Manhattan's legal scene is heating up with the recent announcement from District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. regarding the indictment of 40-year-old Donald Ziebenhood. Accused of a serious string of intimate partner violence incidents, Ziebenhood now faces a multitude of charges, including burglary, assault, criminal contempt, and criminal possession of a weapon. Detailed in an indictment by the New York State Supreme Court, the charges unpack a year-long pattern of alleged violence that has left the community in shock.
The indictment, as detailed by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, involves three separate attacks on Ziebenhood's husband, Jacob Zieben. The first incident occurred in late February, where Ziebenhood purportedly violated an order of protection by assaulting Jacob in their Harlem apartment. Police arrested Ziebenhood after Jacob managed to call 911. This disturbing pattern continued through mid-June when Ziebenhood, once again breaking a protection order, threatened Jacob’s life with a knife. Finally, in July, photos and frantic communication to his father suggested that Jacob sustained further violence at the hands of Ziebenhood, leading to a grim discovery by authorities of Jacob's lifeless body in the couple's bathroom, marred by wounds.
"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," District Attorney Bragg conveyed in a statement. The community is encouraged to reach out to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office via 212-335-9373 for resources and assistance on matters of abuse from a current or former partner.
The prosecution of the case is under the charge of Assistant D.A.s Samantha LiTrenta and Sydney Taylor, overseen by a team of officials specializing in the Special Victims and Child Abuse Bureaus. Additionally, D.A. Bragg has extended his gratitude towards the NYPD and particularly to Officers Brayan Antonio, Bintou Dabo, Brian Brittman and Jessica Kroepfl of the 32nd Precinct for their role in apprehending Ziebenhood.
.jpg){kind=link}