Jessica D. Aber, the former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, was found deceased at her residence in Alexandria, Virginia, on March 22, 2025, at the age of 43. The Alexandria Police Department responded to a call regarding an unresponsive woman at approximately 9:18 a.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered Aber’s body. The cause of death is currently under investigation, with the Virginia medical examiner’s office tasked with determining the official cause. New York Post+2Wikipedia+2Fox News+2New York Post+4Fox News+4NBC4 Washington+4New York Post+1CBS News+1
Aber’s legal career was distinguished by her dedication to public service. She earned her Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, from the University of Richmond in 2003 and her Juris Doctor from William & Mary Law School in 2006. Following her education, she clerked for Magistrate Judge M. Hannah Lauck of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia from 2006 to 2007. She then practiced as an associate at McGuireWoods before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia in 2009 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. Her commitment and expertise led to her serving as counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice from 2015 to 2016, and later as Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division. ABC News+2WJLA+2Wikipedia+2New York Post+2Wikipedia+2NBC4 Washington+2
In 2021, President Joe Biden nominated Aber for the position of U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. Her nomination received unanimous confirmation from the Senate, and she officially assumed the role on October 12, 2021. During her tenure, Aber supervised the prosecution of federal crimes and the litigation of civil matters, leading a staff of approximately 300 professionals. She resigned from her position on January 20, 2025. WJLA+4Wikipedia+4CBS News+4CBS News+1Wikipedia+1WJLA
The news of Aber’s untimely passing has elicited profound sorrow among her colleagues and the broader legal community. Erik S. Siebert, her successor as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, expressed deep grief, stating, “She was unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor, and she is simply irreplaceable as a human being.” He further remarked on her professionalism, grace, and legal acumen, noting that these qualities set the standard for others in the field. Wikipedia+6Fox News+6CBS News+6Fox News+2WJLA+2ABC News+2
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares also conveyed his condolences, highlighting Aber’s impactful career in public service. He specifically mentioned her work with Ceasefire Virginia, acknowledging that her efforts in this initiative have likely saved more lives than can be quantified. WJLA+4ABC News+4NBC4 Washington+4
Aber’s legacy is characterized by her unwavering commitment to justice and her significant contributions to the legal profession. Her sudden death is a profound loss to her family, friends, colleagues, and the communities she served. As investigations continue to determine the circumstances surrounding her passing, those who knew and worked with her reflect on the indelible mark she left on the legal landscape and the lives she touched through her service.
