Former U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber Found Dead Under Investigation

News Summary

Jessica Aber, the former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, was found dead at 43, prompting an investigation by the Alexandria Police Department. The circumstances remain unclear, and a thorough examination is underway to determine the cause of death. Aber was recognized for her dedication to justice and had a notable career in public service. Her unexpected passing has left the legal community in mourning, as tributes continue to pour in from colleagues acknowledging her contributions and legacy.

Tragic Death of Former U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber Under Investigation

Jessica Aber, the esteemed former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA), was found dead at the young age of 43 on a Saturday morning. Her unexpected demise has left colleagues and friends in shock, triggering an investigation by the Alexandria Police Department. The precise cause of death is yet to be determined, pending an examination by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia.

Authorities React to Disturbing Discovery

Police received a call reporting an unresponsive woman in the 900 block of Beverley Drive at approximately 9:18 a.m. on the day of the incident. Details surrounding the circumstances of her death remain murky, including whether the residence belonged to Aber and who made the distressing call to authorities. Investigators are diligently working to uncover the truth and bring clarity to this tragic event.

Jessica Aber’s Notable Career

Aber’s impressive career began in 2009 when she joined the EDVA as an assistant U.S. attorney. She quickly made her mark, later serving as counsel to the assistant attorney general for the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice during a detail assignment from 2015 to 2016. Aber’s rise through the ranks at the EDVA was meteoric, culminating in her appointment as the deputy chief of the criminal division before being nominated by President Joe Biden in August 2021.

She received unanimous confirmation from the Senate on October 5, 2021, demonstrating her wide-ranging support and respect within legal circles. Just two months prior to her tragic death, Aber had resigned from her esteemed position when President Donald Trump took office.

A Legacy of Justice and Community Involvement

As U.S. Attorney, Aber was responsible for overseeing a staff of approximately 300 individuals, collectively serving around six million residents across the Eastern District of Virginia. She was dedicated to her role and consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice and public service. Colleagues have expressed their admiration for her contributions, particularly highlighting her role in initiatives like Ceasefire Virginia, which aims to reduce violent crime in the state.

Current U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert has spoken about Aber’s profound impact on the office, referring to her as an unmatched leader, mentor, and prosecutor. He pledged to continue her commitment to justice, ensuring that her legacy influences ongoing and future work in the district.

Colleagues Pay Tribute

The legal community in Virginia is mourning the loss of a respected figure. Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares acknowledged Aber’s substantial contributions to public service and the profound effect she had on her peers in the legal field.

Aber was not just a public servant; she was a proud Virginian, weaving her personal and professional life into the fabric of the community she loved. A graduate of the University of Richmond, she later earned her J.D. from William & Mary Law School in 2006 after spending time in private practice prior to joining the EDVA.

A Call for Reflection and Justice

As the investigation unfolds, the community holds its breath, hoping for clarity and justice in the wake of Aber’s shocking demise. Tributes continue to pour in from colleagues and friends alike, each sharing memories of a remarkable woman whose passion for justice left an indelible mark on Virginia’s legal landscape.

The tragic death of Jessica Aber is not just a loss for her family and friends; it resonates through the legal landscape of the Eastern District of Virginia, where her legacy will be honored as those she inspired carry forward her commitment to justice and public service.