Jessica Aber, the former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, was found deceased in Alexandria on Saturday morning. She was 43 years old.
According to the Alexandria Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 9:20 a.m. in response to a report of an unresponsive woman.
Upon arrival, authorities discovered Aber’s body. The department confirmed that the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the official cause and manner of death.
At this time, police have not indicated whether foul play is suspected. However, as standard procedure, an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death is currently underway.
sources familiar with the investigation told ‘ABC News‘ that the death appears to be from natural causes. So far, there is no indication of foul play. On Sunday, a family friend told them that police believe the death was related to an ongoing medical condition.
Aber, a respected federal prosecutor, was appointed U.S. Attorney by President Joe Biden on August 10, 2021. She was later confirmed by the U.S. Senate and served in the role until her resignation on January 20.
Before her appointment, she had built a longstanding career within the Eastern District of Virginia, having joined the office in 2009 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. She later rose to serve as Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division.
Throughout her tenure, Aber earned praise for her legal expertise, leadership, and commitment to public service. Following the news of her passing, tributes poured in from colleagues and public officials.
Erik S. Siebert, who currently leads the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the district, expressed deep sorrow in a statement. “We are heartbroken over the loss of Jessica Aber,” he said. “She was unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor, and she is simply irreplaceable as a human being. She loved EDVA, and EDVA loved her back.”
U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi also offered condolences to Aber’s family and colleagues. “The loss of Jessica Aber, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, is deeply tragic,” she stated. “Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this profoundly difficult time.”
The loss of Jessica Aber, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, is deeply tragic. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this profoundly difficult time.
— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) March 23, 2025
U.S. attorneys are political appointees who serve at the discretion of the sitting president. In February, former President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he had “instructed the termination” of all Biden-era U.S. attorneys still in office.
Aber’s death has left a significant void in the legal community, particularly within the Eastern District of Virginia, where she spent the majority of her career.
Her colleagues remember her not only as a skilled prosecutor but also as a compassionate and dedicated public servant.