Former federal prosecutor found dead in Virginia home

A tragic incident occurred on Saturday morning in Alexandria, Virginia, where a former federal prosecutor was found dead at her home. Jessica Aber, the 43-year-old former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, was discovered unresponsive by officers from the Alexandria Police Department who responded to a call at 9:18 a.m. Eastern Time. The cause of Aber’s death is yet to be determined by the Virginia medical examiner’s office, but a family friend indicated that it may be linked to a long-standing medical issue.

Aber, who was appointed to her position by then-President Joe Biden in August 2021 and confirmed by the Senate, served as the U.S. Attorney for approximately three years before resigning in January at the start of President Trump’s second term. She expressed her intention to continue her legal career in the private sector following her resignation, as reported by CBS News.

Her successor, Erik Siebert, the current U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, expressed deep sorrow over Aber’s passing, describing her as an exceptional leader, mentor, and prosecutor. Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares also paid tribute to Aber’s contributions, particularly her involvement in Ceasefire Virginia, an initiative aimed at combating violent crime statewide.

Prior to her role as U.S. Attorney, Aber had a distinguished career in private practice and various positions within the Eastern District of Virginia, including assistant U.S. attorney and deputy chief of the criminal division. She managed a staff of around 300 individuals in a district serving approximately six million residents. A native of Virginia, Aber completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Richmond and obtained her law degree from William & Mary Law School in 2006.

The news of Aber’s untimely death has left many in shock and mourning, with colleagues and officials expressing their admiration for her dedication to public service and the impact she made during her career. As investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death continue, Aber’s legacy as a respected legal professional and advocate for justice will be remembered by those who knew and worked with her.