Former US attorney for Eastern District of Virginia found dead

Jessica Aber, the former US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, was found dead on Saturday morning.

Police in Alexandria, Virginia, received reports of an unresponsive woman at 9:18 AM local time. Officers arrived and discovered a deceased woman. They later identified her as Jessica Aber.

Ms. Aber was 43 years old. She was appointed by President Joe Biden in 2021. She stepped down in January when Donald Trump took office.

An investigation into her death is ongoing. Virginia's chief medical examiner will determine the cause.

Ms. Aber graduated from the University of Richmond in 2003. She then attended William & Mary Law School in Williamsburg, Virginia. From 2006 to 2007, she clerked for Magistrate Judge M. Hannah Lauck.

In 2009, she began working as an assistant US attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia. She handled cases involving financial fraud, public corruption, and child exploitation.

In 2016, Ms. Aber became deputy chief of the criminal division. In August 2021, Biden nominated her to lead the district. The US Senate confirmed her unanimously.

As the top prosecutor, she managed about 300 staff members including prosecutors and support staff. She left her position in early 2025 when Donald Trump took office.

US attorneys are appointed by the president and often resign with new administrations. Her successor, interim US Attorney Erik S Siebert, expressed deep sadness over her passing.

He stated that she was "unmatched as a leader" and "irreplaceable." US Senator Tim Kaine called Ms. Aber an "exceptional public servant." He noted her dedication to serving Virginians throughout her life.