Former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Jessica Aber, was found dead on Saturday morning, March 22, 2025, at the age of 43 in Alexandria, Virginia. Her sudden death has sent shockwaves through the legal and political communities that respected her deeply for her leadership and commitment to justice.
Police responded to a call at around 9:18 a.m. on Beverly Drive, where they discovered an unresponsive woman identified as Jessica Aber. Following standard protocol, the Alexandria Police Department announced that an investigation is underway, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause and manner of death. At this moment, there are no indications of foul play from law enforcement officials, but the investigation remains thorough as they seek to uncover the circumstances surrounding her passing.
Aber's career as a public servant is remarkable. She began her journey with the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) in 2009 as an assistant U.S. attorney, quickly gaining respect and recognition across the legal community for her dedication and talent. She served as U.S. attorney from 2021 until her resignation in January 2025, a position she described as an “honor beyond measure.” Nomination came through President Joe Biden, and she was confirmed unanimously by the Senate, highlighting her ability to work across political lines.
Throughout her tenure, she oversaw a staff of approximately 300 prosecutors and support personnel across northern Virginia. Aber’s work included not only federal prosecutions but also building community trust and navigating complex cases that dealt with terrorism, cybercrime, and public corruption.
Her contributions were recognized widely within her profession. Current U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Erik Siebert, spoke of Aber, stating, “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.” Siebert described her professionalism and legal acumen as setting standards for the legal community.
Aber’s commitment to justice was matched only by her empathy and ability to connect with people. In 2015, she served on a detail as counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division at the Department of Justice before eventually becoming the deputy chief of EDVA's criminal division. Her career path is a testament to her unwavering work ethic and dedication, demonstrating a commitment to serve the community effectively.
After announcing her resignation, Aber reflected on the tenure she had as U.S. attorney, saying, “I’ve had the privilege of spending my career as a prosecutor in the Eastern District of Virginia working alongside talented, hard-working public servants who manage matters affecting citizens here and across the world.”
The legal community’s grief following her death is palpable. Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares expressed his sorrow, saying “I am saddened to learn of the passing of Jessica Aber, whose career of public service included US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia and whose work with Ceasefire Virginia saved more lives than we may ever realize.”
Aber’s achievements in the field include high-profile convictions in public corruption cases and efforts in human trafficking and cybercrime. She set a bar for public service that many hope to emulate, and her legacy will influence aspiring attorneys in Virginia and beyond.
As tributes from colleagues continue to pour in, the Commonwealth’s U.S. Senators, Mark Warner and Tim Kaine, shared their condolences, calling her “a remarkable leader who served her state and country with distinction.”
Jessica Aber was a proud graduate of William & Mary Law School, having completed her studies there in 2006. Her law school recognized her as a shining example of public service and legal excellence. Various officials and colleagues mourn her loss while recalling her commitment to fostering an environment of trust and collaboration among law enforcement partners.
While many await the findings of the medical examination to provide closure, Jessica Aber’s impact on the Eastern District of Virginia and the broader community cannot be understated. She worked tirelessly to ensure effective law enforcement coordination and public transparency during her time in the office.
“Her leadership has set a bar for excellence and ethical conduct that we all strive to uphold,” said a senior Department of Justice official. “Jessica Aber’s work will continue to impact the Eastern District of Virginia long after her passing.”
Now, as her colleagues and the community grapple with the loss of an irreplaceable figure, the tributes serve as a reminder of her legacy—a life dedicated to justice, community, and mentorship. Her life, though tragically cut short, serves as an everlasting testament to the values she stood for and the futures she impacted.
As the investigations continue, Jessica Aber’s name is sure to be remembered fondly not just for the cases she prosecuted but also for the human connection and mentorship she offered to those around her. As her successor remarked, “Her commitment to seeking justice will remain at the heart of our work.”
