Former US attorney for Eastern District of Virginia found dead at 43: Police

By Gizem Nisa Cebi

ISTANBUL (AA) - Former US Attorney Jessica D. Aber was found dead at her Virginia residence on Saturday morning, just two months after stepping down from office, according to local authorities.

The Alexandria Police Department (APD) confirmed officers that they responded to a call at around 9.18 am (1318GMT) regarding an "unresponsive woman."

"As a matter of protocol, an investigation is underway surrounding the circumstances of her death. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia will determine the cause and manner of death," the department said in a statement.

Aber, 43, appointed by former President Joe Biden, served as the US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) from 2021 until her resignation on Jan. 20, 2025.

She previously led a staff of nearly 300 prosecutors and civil litigators across multiple divisions, including Alexandria, Richmond, Norfolk, and Newport News. A graduate of William & Mary Law School, she spent much of her career dedicated to public service.

In her resignation statement, Aber described her tenure as "an honor beyond measure" and expressed gratitude toward Biden, former Attorney General Merrick Garland, and Virginia Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine.

"I am proud of the work we have done with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to enforce the law and build community trust," she noted.

Her successor, Attorney Erik S. Siebert, expressed deep sorrow over her passing. "She was unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor, and she is simply irreplaceable as a human being," Siebert said.

"We remain in awe of how much she accomplished in her all-too-brief time in this world. Her professionalism, grace, and legal acumen set the standard."

Siebert also emphasized Aber’s deep roots in Virginia and her commitment to justice.

"Jess was a proud Virginian from high school through college and throughout her career. She loved EDVA, and EDVA loved her back. We remain committed to her life’s work, a commitment to seeking justice, as she would have wanted."

The investigation into Aber’s death is ongoing.