Former U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber Found Dead in Virginia, Investigation Underway

In a shocking and tragic turn of events, Jessica D. Aber, the former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, was found dead in her home Saturday morning, just two months after stepping down from her prestigious role. The 43-year-old legal luminary, who served under the Biden administration, was discovered unresponsive by authorities at approximately 9:18 a.m. in Alexandria, Virginia.

The Alexandria Police Department (APD) confirmed Aber’s death in a somber news release, stating that an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding her untimely passing. “As a matter of protocol, an investigation is underway surrounding the circumstances of her death,” the APD said. “The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia will determine the cause and manner of death.”

A Stellar Career Cut Short

Jessica Aber’s career was nothing short of remarkable. Appointed by President Joe Biden in 2021, she led one of the most prominent U.S. Attorney’s offices in the nation, overseeing a staff of approximately 300 prosecutors, civil litigators, and support personnel across four divisions. A graduate of William & Mary Law School, Aber was widely respected for her legal acumen, dedication to justice, and unwavering commitment to public service.

In her resignation statement on January 20, 2025, Aber reflected on her tenure with profound gratitude. “I am deeply grateful to senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine and to President Biden for the opportunity to lead this office and to Attorney General Garland for his steadfast leadership,” she said. “I am proud of the work we have done with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to enforce the law and build community trust.”

A Community in Mourning

News of Aber’s death sent shockwaves through the legal community and beyond. Her successor, U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert, expressed his devastation in a heartfelt statement. “I am heartbroken beyond words,” Siebert said. “She was unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor, and she is simply irreplaceable as a human being. We remain in awe of how much she accomplished in her all-too-brief time in this world. Her professionalism, grace, and legal acumen set the standard.”

Siebert vowed to honor Aber’s legacy, stating, “Each of us in the Eastern District of Virginia will look to her example and endeavor to live up to that standard. Jess was a proud Virginian from high school through college and throughout her career. She loved EDVA, and EDVA loved her back. We remain committed to her life’s work, a commitment to seeking justice, as she would have wanted.”

Unanswered Questions

As tributes pour in for Aber, the circumstances of her death remain shrouded in mystery. Authorities have not released any details about potential causes or contributing factors, leaving the public to grapple with a haunting question: What led to the sudden death of such a prominent and accomplished figure?

The investigation into Aber’s death is ongoing, with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia tasked with determining the cause and manner of death. Until then, speculation and concern linger, casting a shadow over what should have been a celebratory reflection on a life well-lived.

A Legacy of Justice

Jessica Aber’s untimely death is a profound loss for the legal community, the Eastern District of Virginia, and the nation as a whole. Her dedication to justice, her leadership, and her unwavering commitment to public service left an indelible mark on all who knew her. As the investigation unfolds, her legacy serves as a poignant reminder of the impact one individual can have in the pursuit of justice and the betterment of society.

For now, the nation mourns the loss of a brilliant legal mind and a devoted public servant. Jessica D. Aber’s story is one of triumph, tragedy, and an enduring commitment to the principles she held dear. As the legal community and her loved ones grapple with this devastating loss, one thing is certain: her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched and the justice she tirelessly sought to uphold.