Jessica Aber, Former U.S. Attorney for Virginia, Found Dead at 43 – Investigation Underway
Jessica Aber, the former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, was found dead at her home in Alexandria on Saturday morning. She was 43 years old.
Mysterious Death Sparks Investigation
According to the Alexandria Police Department, officers responded to a 9:18 a.m. emergency call regarding an unresponsive woman in the 900 block of Beverley Drive. Upon arrival, authorities identified the deceased as Jessica Aber.
The Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is currently investigating the cause and manner of death. As of now, officials have not released additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding Aber’s passing.
A Legacy of Justice and High-Profile Cases
Jessica Aber had a distinguished career in the Department of Justice (DOJ), earning recognition for her work on financial fraud, public corruption, violent crime, and child exploitation cases.
Nominated by President Joe Biden on August 10, 2021, she was unanimously confirmed by the Senate and served as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia until January 2024, when she resigned on the day of Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Notable Cases Under Her Leadership
- Money laundering charges against two Russian nationals.
- A guilty plea from Siemens Energy over corporate espionage charges.
- Murder convictions against an MS-13 gang member.
- Prosecution of four Russian military personnel for war crimes following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Before becoming U.S. Attorney, Aber served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and later as Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division for the Eastern District of Virginia.
A Shock to the Legal Community
News of Aber’s sudden passing has left the legal and law enforcement communities in mourning.
Erik Siebert, the current U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, paid tribute to her, stating:
"Her professionalism, grace, and legal acumen set the standard. Though we are devastated by this loss, each of us in the Eastern District of Virginia will look to her example and endeavor to live up to that standard."
Former Attorney General Pam Bondi also expressed her condolences, calling Aber’s death “deeply tragic” and extending prayers to her family and friends.
Unanswered Questions Remain
While authorities have not ruled out any possibilities, the cause of Jessica Aber’s death remains unknown pending results from the medical examiner’s investigation.
Aber, who dedicated her career to upholding justice, leaves behind a lasting legacy. As the investigation unfolds, the legal world mourns the loss of one of its brightest figures.