Tragic Passing of Former U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber
ALEXANDRIA, VA — The legal community is mourning the death of Jessica Aber, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, who was found dead in her home on Saturday morning.
About Jessica Aber
Jessica Aber, aged 43, was appointed as U.S. Attorney by President Joe Biden in August 2021, and her confirmation followed a unanimous Senate vote. Throughout her tenure, Aber was passionate about justice, leading a team of nearly 300 federal prosecutors and staff across several offices in Virginia.
Aber earned her law degree from the College of William & Mary in 2006, subsequently joining the Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2009 as an assistant U.S. attorney. Her notable work included tackling financial fraud, public corruption, and cases involving violent crime and child exploitation. Prior to her time at the DOJ, she practiced law at McGuireWoods LLP and served as a law clerk for a federal judge.
In recognition of her exceptional service, Aber was honored with the DOJ’s Assistant Attorney General’s Award in 2019.
Circumstances of Her Death
On Saturday, December 6, 2023, Alexandria police officers responded to a call regarding an unresponsive woman. Upon arrival, they found Aber deceased, though details regarding the circumstances and cause of her death remain unclear. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia is expected to provide further information.
Reactions to Her Passing
The announcement of Aber’s death has elicited heartfelt tributes from colleagues and the legal community. U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert stated, “Jessica was unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor, and she is simply irreplaceable as a human being.” Expressing deep sorrow, he remarked on her remarkable achievements during her brief but impactful career, highlighting her professionalism and dedication to justice.
Siebert added, “Though we are devastated by this loss, each of us in the Eastern District of Virginia will look to her example and endeavor to live up to that standard. 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.”
