Ex-U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber Discovered Dead at Home

The legal community and the nation are mourning the unexpected loss of Jessica D. Aber, the former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, who was found deceased in her Alexandria home on March 22, 2025. At just 43 years old, Aber's sudden passing has left many reflecting on her impactful career and the legacy she leaves behind.

A Distinguished Career in Public Service

Jessica Aber's journey in the legal field was marked by dedication, excellence, and a steadfast commitment to justice. Born on September 9, 1981, in Walnut Creek, California, she pursued higher education with vigor, earning a Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, from the University of Richmond in 2003. She furthered her legal studies at William & Mary Law School, obtaining her Juris Doctor in 2006.

Her professional career commenced with a clerkship under Magistrate Judge M. Hannah Lauck of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) from 2006 to 2007. Following this, Aber joined McGuireWoods as an associate, where she honed her skills in private practice from 2007 to 2008.

In 2009, Aber transitioned to public service, becoming an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the EDVA. Her tenure was characterized by handling a diverse array of cases, including financial fraud, public corruption, violent crime, and child exploitation. Her peers recognized her unwavering dedication, and from 2015 to 2016, she served as counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice. By 2016, she had ascended to the role of Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division for the EDVA, reflecting her leadership and expertise.

Appointment as U.S. Attorney

Aber's exemplary service did not go unnoticed. In March 2021, Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner recommended her for the position of U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. President Joe Biden formally nominated her on August 10, 2021, and the Senate confirmed her unanimously on October 5, 2021. She was sworn into office on October 12, 2021, becoming the 63rd individual to hold this esteemed position.

As U.S. Attorney, Aber supervised the prosecution of all federal crimes and managed civil matters involving the United States within her jurisdiction. Leading a team of approximately 300 professionals across divisions in Alexandria, Richmond, Norfolk, and Newport News, she served a district encompassing over six million residents. Her leadership was marked by a commitment to justice, integrity, and community engagement.

Resignation and Sudden Passing

After more than three years of distinguished service, Aber announced her resignation, effective January 20, 2025. In her statement, she expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to serve, stating, "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." She also acknowledged the support of Senators Warner and Kaine, President Biden, and Attorney General Garland, highlighting her pride in the collaborative efforts to enforce the law and build community trust.

Tragically, just two months after her resignation, Aber was found unresponsive in her Alexandria residence on the morning of March 22, 2025. The Alexandria Police Department received a call at approximately 9:18 a.m. regarding an unresponsive woman. Upon arrival, they discovered Aber deceased. As per protocol, an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death is underway, with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia responsible for determining the cause and manner of death.

Tributes and Reflections

The news of Aber's untimely death has elicited an outpouring of grief and tributes from colleagues and the broader legal community. Erik S. Siebert, who succeeded Aber as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, expressed profound sorrow, 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." He further lauded her professionalism, grace, and legal acumen, emphasizing that the office remains committed to upholding the standards she set.

Legacy and Impact

Jessica Aber's legacy is one of dedication to justice, mentorship, and public service. Her career serves as an inspiring example of commitment to the rule of law and the pursuit of fairness. Colleagues remember her not only for her legal prowess but also for her humanity, compassion, and unwavering integrity.

Her sudden passing is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact one individual can have on their community and profession. As investigations continue into the circumstances of her death, the legal community and those who knew her personally are left to reflect on her contributions and the void her absence creates.