Jessica Aber’s sudden and tragic passing has left colleagues, friends, and the legal community in shock. The 43-year-old former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia was found dead on the morning of March 22, 2025, in her home on the 900 block of Beverley Drive in Alexandria, Virginia.
Police officers responded to a call about an unresponsive woman at approximately 9:18 a.m., only to find Aber deceased upon arrival. The Alexandria Police Department has since launched an investigation, though the cause and circumstances of her death remain unclear. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia is set to determine the official cause of death.
Aber’s passing comes merely two months after she resigned from her position as U.S. Attorney, a role she had held since October 2021 after being nominated by President Joe Biden and unanimously confirmed by the Senate. Her resignation coincided with the inauguration of President Donald Trump, as is customary when a new administration takes over.
During her tenure, she oversaw a team of approximately 300 prosecutors, civil litigators, and support personnel, handling cases ranging from national security to high-profile white-collar crimes. She was known for her relentless pursuit of justice, professionalism, and grace—qualities that earned her widespread respect among her peers.
Who Was Former U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber? Her Cause of Death Is Under Investigation
Born on September 9, 1981, in Walnut Creek, California, Jessica Diane Aber’s journey into law began with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Richmond in 2003, followed by a Juris Doctor from William & Mary Law School in 2006. She began her legal career as a law clerk for U.S. Magistrate Judge M. Hannah Lauck before transitioning to private practice at McGuireWoods.
However, public service called to her, and in 2009, she joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia as an assistant U.S. attorney. Her sharp legal acumen and dedication quickly propelled her through the ranks—by 2015, she was serving as counsel to the assistant attorney general for the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice. A year later, she took on the role of deputy chief of the criminal division at EDVA.
Aber played an instrumental role in high-profile cases, including the prosecution of former Virginia governor Robert F. McDonnell on corruption charges, though the Supreme Court later overturned the conviction. Her work also extended to Ceasefire Virginia, a statewide initiative launched in 2022 to combat violent crime. Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares remarked on social media that Aber’s contributions to the program “saved more lives than we may ever realize.” Her efforts did not go unnoticed—she was the recipient of the Assistant Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Service in 2019.
Despite the demands of her high-profile career, Aber was deeply committed to community engagement. In an interview with The Washington Post before her resignation, she shared that she had traveled over 50,000 miles across Virginia in her Hyundai, striving to connect with students, local leaders, and residents. Her belief in justice extended beyond the courtroom—she wanted to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the communities they served.
#BREAKING: Former U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber of the Eastern District of Virginia found dead this morning by Alexandria Police, according to a press statement. Authorities have launched a criminal probe into the prosecuting attorney’s death. pic.twitter.com/yBIPex8zwA
— Hunter Cullen (@IndictmentTime) March 23, 2025
Her death has sent ripples of sorrow through the legal community. Erik S. Siebert, her successor as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, described her as “unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor, and she is simply irreplaceable as a human being.” He added, “We remain in awe of how much she accomplished in her all too brief time in this world.”
U.S. District Judge M. Hannah Lauck echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Jess was brilliant, but far more important was her sense for justice, her humanity, and her ability to change the world in a positive way.” Former Acting U.S. Attorney Raj Parekh stated, “Jess’s life and legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of those who had the special privilege of working with her.”
As the investigation into her untimely death continues, those who knew her personally and professionally are left grappling with the loss of a remarkable woman who devoted her life to justice. The legal world has lost a dedicated advocate, and Virginia has lost a proud daughter. While her tenure was brief, Jessica Aber’s impact will not soon be forgotten.
