Former U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber Found Dead in Virginia Home at 43
Jessica Aber, a respected former federal prosecutor and U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, was found dead at a home in Alexandria, Virginia, on Saturday morning. The news of her sudden and unexpected death has shocked many in the legal community and beyond.
Police Confirm Jessica Aber’s Death
Police officers were called to the Alexandria residence around 9:18 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive woman. When they arrived, they found 43-year-old Jessica Aber deceased at the scene. Authorities have not yet confirmed if the home belonged to Aber or who called emergency services.
The exact cause of her death is still under investigation and will be determined by the Virginia medical examiner’s office. Alexandria Police have opened an investigation, as is standard procedure in such cases.
Who Was Jessica Aber?
Jessica Aber was nominated by President Joe Biden in August 2021 to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. She was unanimously confirmed by the Senate and led the office until January 2025, when she stepped down following President Trump’s return to office.
Aber was widely known for her leadership, integrity, and deep commitment to public service. She supervised a team of around 300 staff members, overseeing federal prosecutions and civil litigation in a district that covers nearly six million people.
Tributes from Colleagues and Leaders
The current U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Erik Siebert, expressed his grief, saying, “We are heartbroken beyond words… She was unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor, and she is simply irreplaceable as a human being.”
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares also shared his condolences through a social media post. He highlighted Aber’s important role in Ceasefire Virginia, a statewide initiative launched in 2022 to reduce violent crime. He wrote, “Her work with Ceasefire Virginia saved more lives than we may ever realize.”
A Career Marked by Dedication
Before taking the top federal prosecutor role, Aber served in several key positions in the Eastern District of Virginia after joining in 2009. She worked as an assistant U.S. attorney and later became deputy chief of the department’s criminal division. She also had experience in private practice earlier in her career.
As U.S. Attorney, Aber was known for her fair and firm handling of sensitive cases and her commitment to justice and safety in Virginia communities.
Her Life and Education
Jessica Aber was a Virginia native who completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Richmond. She later earned her law degree from William & Mary Law School in 2006. Throughout her career, she remained deeply connected to her home state, both professionally and personally.
Jessica Aber’s untimely death is a huge loss to the legal world, to Virginia, and to the many people who knew and admired her. Her dedication to justice, her leadership in fighting crime, and her work in public service will be remembered and appreciated for years to come.
As investigations continue into the cause of her death, tributes pour in for a woman who truly made a difference in her community and country.