ALEXANDRIA, VA — Jessica D. Aber, the former United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, died unexpectedly on March 22, 2025, at the age of 43. The Alexandria Police Department reported that officers responded to a call at approximately 9:18 a.m. regarding an unresponsive woman at her home on Beverly Drive. Upon arrival, they discovered Aber deceased. As a standard procedure, an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death is currently underway, with the Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner expected to determine the cause and manner of death.
Aber’s passing has sent shockwaves through the legal community and among government officials, many of whom are reflecting on her commitment to justice and her impactful career. U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert, Aber’s successor, expressed profound sorrow in a statement released shortly after her death. "We are heartbroken beyond words to learn of the passing of our friend and former colleague, U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber. 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," he stated. He further emphasized Aber's professionalism and legal acumen, indicating that her legacy would inspire others in the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) to continue her work.
Jason Miyares, the Virginia Attorney General, also paid tribute to Aber, underscoring her contributions to public safety, particularly with the initiative Ceasefire Virginia. "Ceasefire Virginia saved more lives than we may ever realize," Miyares commented, highlighting the importance of Aber’s efforts during her tenure.
Aber's legal career was marked by a commitment to justice, innovative prosecution strategies, and mentoring young attorneys. She was first appointed as U.S. Attorney in October 2021 after being nominated by then-President Joe Biden, and her appointment was unanimously confirmed by the Senate. Over her three years in office, Aber supervised the prosecution of federal crimes and oversaw civil litigation, managing a robust team of approximately 300 prosecutors and staff members. The district served more than six million residents.
Initially joining EDVA in 2009 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Aber specialized in white-collar crime, child exploitation cases, and more. She later served as the deputy chief of the criminal division before her elevation to U.S. Attorney. Among her notable achievements was the prosecution of former Virginia Governor Robert F. McDonnell on corruption charges, a case that ultimately caught national attention.
During her time at EDVA, Aber was recognized for her dedication to improving relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. In a 2025 interview, she mentioned logging over 50,000 miles visiting various communities across Virginia, emphasizing her goal to restore trust in law enforcement during a politically charged climate. "We follow the facts and the law, trying to do it in an entirely apolitical way," she noted, underlining her approach to criminal justice.
Aber was born in Walnut Creek, California, in 1981. She obtained both her undergraduate degree from the University of Richmond and her law degree from William & Mary Law School. Aber’s colleagues remembered her not only for her sharp legal mind but also for her warm personality, described as someone who could uplift her team in any context. Joshua Stueve, a former spokesman for the Justice Department, commended her contagious smile, infectious laugh, and relentless humility.
The community and her professional connections are now united in grief as they remember Jessica Aber’s life and legacy. Her passing marks a significant loss, not just for her family and friends, but for the broader legal community in Virginia.
As the investigation into the circumstances of her death continues, those who knew her will carry the impact of her work and her commitment to justice in their hearts. Ultimately, Jessica Aber was much more than a public servant; she was a beacon of hope and progress for many in Virginia.
