Jessica D. Aber, the former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, was found dead at her residence in Alexandria, Virginia, on Saturday morning, March 22. She was 43 years old.
Police in Alexandria responded to reports of an unresponsive woman at around 9:18 a.m. Authorities identified the deceased as Aber, who had stepped down from her position as U.S. Attorney in January when President Donald Trump took office.
While the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia has yet to determine the official cause and manner of death, sources close to the investigation believe her passing was related to health complications. According to a family friend, Aber had been suffering from a chronic medical condition. Police sources indicated they believe her death was the result of this longstanding medical issue, and there is no evidence of foul play.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi expressed condolences over Aber’s death in a statement posted on social media, describing the loss as deeply tragic and extending thoughts to her family and friends during this difficult time.
Aber had a distinguished legal career spanning over a decade. After graduating from the University of Richmond and William & Mary Law School, she began working as an assistant U.S. attorney in 2009. She later became the deputy chief of the criminal division before President Joe Biden appointed her to lead the Eastern District of Virginia in 2021.
During her tenure, Aber oversaw numerous high-profile cases. These included the prosecution of a former CIA analyst for leaking classified documents, cases against Russian nationals for money laundering, and securing a guilty plea from Siemens Energy for corporate espionage. Her office also handled the Department of Justice’s indictment of Russian soldiers for alleged war crimes against an American living in Ukraine.
In her resignation letter dated January 20, 2025, Aber expressed gratitude to Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine and President Biden for the opportunity to lead the office. She noted pride in the work accomplished with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to uphold the law and build community trust.
As U.S. Attorney, Aber led approximately 300 prosecutors, litigators, and support staff in the Eastern District of Virginia, which covers Northern Virginia, Richmond, and the Hampton Roads region. The district is known for handling significant national security cases due to its proximity to Washington, D.C., and the Pentagon.
Those who worked with Aber remember her not only for her legal acumen but also for her character. Erik S. Siebert, the interim U.S. Attorney who succeeded Aber, issued a heartfelt statement through the Department of Justice. He described Aber as an unmatched leader, mentor, and prosecutor whose professionalism and legal expertise set the standard for others. Siebert emphasized how much she had accomplished in her brief time and how irreplaceable she was both professionally and personally.
Senator Tim Kaine characterized Aber as an exceptional public servant dedicated to serving Virginians, according to media reports. Colleagues consistently described her as having a humble demeanor despite her impressive achievements and passionate commitment to her work.
Friends and colleagues were aware of Aber’s medical struggles, though specific details about her condition have not been publicly disclosed out of respect for her privacy.
The Alexandria Police Department confirmed that, as standard protocol, an investigation is underway surrounding the circumstances of Aber’s death. According to usual procedures, the medical examiner’s determination of cause and manner of death could take up to 12 weeks to complete.
Justice Department personnel continue to process the loss of someone widely regarded as an exceptional legal mind and compassionate leader. Multiple sources noted that Aber was committed to restoring public trust in law enforcement and approached her work with both rigor and humanity.
Aber’s professional legacy includes significant contributions to national security cases, mentorship of younger attorneys, and dedicated service to justice in the Eastern District of Virginia. Her colleagues at the U.S. Attorney’s Office have indicated they remain committed to continuing the work to which she devoted her career.
