Former U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber Found Dead \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Jessica D. Aber, former U.S. attorney for Virginia’s Eastern District, was found dead Saturday at age 43. Her passing comes just two months after resigning from office, with police investigating the cause. Colleagues remember her as an exceptional leader, mentor, and legal professional.
Former U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber Found Dead in Virginia: Quick Looks
- Jessica D. Aber, 43, found unresponsive Saturday morning in Alexandria.
- Aber served as U.S. attorney for Virginia’s Eastern District from 2021 to 2025.
- She resigned from her role on January 20, calling the position an “honor beyond measure.”
- The Alexandria Police Department has launched an investigation into her death.
- The Virginia Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death.
- Aber was appointed by former President Joe Biden and worked under Attorney General Merrick Garland.
- Her role led approximately 300 prosecutors and support staff across four divisions.
- Successor Erik Siebert described Aber as irreplaceable, with unmatched professionalism and grace.
- Aber was a William & Mary Law School graduate, class of 2006.
- She was widely respected for her dedication to justice and community trust.
Deep Look
Jessica D. Aber, who served as U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia from 2021 until her resignation in January 2025, was found dead in Alexandria, Virginia, on Saturday morning at just 43 years old. Her sudden death has sent shockwaves through Virginia’s legal, political, and civic communities, where she was widely respected for her leadership, intellect, and dedication to justice.
A Shocking Discovery
The Alexandria Police Department confirmed they responded to a call about an unresponsive woman around 9:18 a.m. on Saturday. First responders identified the woman as Jessica Aber. In accordance with standard procedures, an investigation into the circumstances of her death is underway, with the Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner tasked with determining the cause and manner of death. While there has been no indication of foul play, law enforcement officials have remained cautious and are continuing their inquiries.
The sudden loss of Aber, just two months after stepping down from her post, has raised questions and concerns within legal and political circles.
Rising Through the Ranks
Aber’s path to becoming one of the country’s most prominent U.S. attorneys was marked by determination and professionalism. A graduate of William & Mary Law School in 2006, she began her career in public service with a commitment to law enforcement and community-building. Her sharp legal mind and unwavering work ethic earned her respect quickly within the Department of Justice.
Appointed by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the Senate in 2021, Aber became U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA), one of the most active and high-profile judicial districts in the country. The EDVA handles complex terrorism cases, cybersecurity prosecutions, white-collar crime, and public corruption. Her jurisdiction extended over offices in Alexandria, Richmond, Norfolk, and Newport News, where she led approximately 300 prosecutors, litigators, and support personnel.
Leadership Defined by Collaboration and Integrity
Under Aber’s leadership, the EDVA focused on forging strong relationships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, prioritizing community trust, and tackling both violent and white-collar crime. She was known for her steady, collaborative leadership style, balancing the demands of a high-pressure office with an empathetic and human-centered approach.
“She was unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor,” said her successor, U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert. “Her professionalism, grace, and legal acumen set the standard.”
Colleagues praised Aber for fostering an environment where young attorneys could thrive under her mentorship. She was often described as approachable, deeply knowledgeable, and unwaveringly committed to ethical practice.
Farewell Message Marked by Gratitude
When she announced her resignation on January 20, Aber reflected on her time in office with humility and appreciation:
“Working as a U.S. attorney has been an honor beyond measure. 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. 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.”
Her departure was seen as a moment of transition, with many expecting her to continue contributing to public service or academia.
An Irreplaceable Presence
Her death has left an emotional void in the legal community. Erik Siebert, who succeeded Aber, expressed the sorrow felt by all who worked with her:
“We remain in awe of how much she accomplished in her all-too-brief time in this world. Her leadership will continue to guide us, and her commitment to justice will remain at the heart of our work.”
Current and former DOJ officials, judges, and law enforcement leaders described her as not only a brilliant legal mind but also a caring individual who prioritized integrity and fairness above all else.
Impact on Virginia and Beyond
Aber’s tenure was marked by significant achievements: high-profile convictions in public corruption cases, decisive action in national security prosecutions, and efforts to address cybercrime and human trafficking. She worked tirelessly to ensure the EDVA remained a model for effective law enforcement coordination, prosecution efficiency, and public transparency.
“Jessica Aber’s work will continue to impact the Eastern District of Virginia long after her passing,” said a senior DOJ official. “Her leadership has set a bar for excellence and ethical conduct that we all strive to uphold.”
Tributes from the Legal Community
Tributes poured in from across the country. William & Mary Law School released a statement calling her “a shining example of public service and legal excellence.” Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, who supported her appointment, expressed deep sadness, calling Aber “a remarkable leader who served her state and country with distinction.”
Former Attorney General Merrick Garland also weighed in, saying, “Jessica Aber embodied what it means to serve with honor, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to justice.”
Questions Remain
While the cause of death has not yet been publicly released, many are awaiting answers. The APD confirmed that a full investigation is underway, and the Chief Medical Examiner’s findings will be released in due course. Until then, speculation has been kept to a minimum as respect for her family and colleagues takes priority.
Remembering a Proud Virginian
“Jess was a proud Virginian from high school through college and throughout her career,” said Siebert. “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.”
Jessica Aber’s legacy will continue through the prosecutors she mentored, the communities she served, and the justice she tirelessly pursued. Her life, though cut tragically short, stands as a testament to public service done with compassion, courage, and grace.
Former U.S. Attorney Former U.S. Attorney Former U.S. Attorney Former U.S. Attorney
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