JESSICA D. ABER, US ATTORNEY FOUND DEAD

BY SNN.BZ STAFF

Former U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber found dead in her Alexandria home.

Alexandria, VA – Jessica D. Aber, the former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, was found dead in her home on Saturday morning, March 22, 2025. The 43-year-old legal veteran, who resigned from her prestigious post just two months prior, was discovered unresponsive at her residence in the 900 block of Beverley Drive.

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The Alexandria Police Department responded to a call at approximately 9:18 a.m. EDT reporting an unresponsive woman, later confirming Aber’s identity after notifying her family. An investigation into the circumstances of her death is underway, with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia tasked with determining the cause and manner of death. No indications of foul play have been reported as of early Sunday, March 23, 2025.

Aber, nominated by President Joe Biden in August 2021 and unanimously confirmed by the Senate that October, served as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA) until January 20, 2025, stepping down to allow President Donald Trump to appoint her successor following his inauguration.

During her tenure, she oversaw a staff of approximately 300 prosecutors and support personnel across four divisions—Alexandria, Richmond, Norfolk, and Newport News—handling high-profile cases ranging from national security and terrorism to public corruption and white-collar crime. Known for her leadership and dedication, Aber was widely respected in Virginia’s legal community.

Her sudden death has stunned colleagues and sparked tributes from across the state and beyond. Erik Siebert, her successor as U.S. Attorney for EDVA, described her as “unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor” and “irreplaceable as a human being.” Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares praised her contributions to the Ceasefire Virginia initiative, noting that her work “saved more lives than we may ever realize.” Aber’s career included notable prosecutions, such as her role in the 2014 corruption case against former Virginia Governor Robert F. McDonnell, though the convictions were later overturned by the Supreme Court.

Among her more controversial decisions, Aber drew attention in late 2024 when she advocated for the release of two Jordanian nationals detained in Virginia on immigration-related charges. The individuals, whose identities were withheld due to ongoing legal sensitivities, had been held pending deportation proceedings tied to alleged national security concerns.

Aber argued that insufficient evidence existed to justify their continued detention, a stance that reportedly clashed with some federal officials who viewed the pair as potential threats. The release, finalized in December 2024, stirred debate within law enforcement circles and on Capitol Hill, with critics questioning the decision’s implications for border security and public safety. Supporters, however, praised Aber’s commitment to due process and her insistence on adhering to legal standards over political pressure.

The timing of her death—just months after this high-stakes decision—has fueled speculation online, though no official connection has been suggested by authorities. Aber’s resignation statement in January 2025 emphasized her pride in working “to enforce the law and build community trust,” reflecting her focus on balancing justice with public confidence in the legal system. Her passing marks a significant loss to the EDVA, an office known for its critical role in federal prosecutions near the nation’s capital.

As the investigation into her death continues, the legal community mourns a figure remembered for her intellect, empathy, and unwavering commitment to public service. Aber’s legacy, from her prosecutorial achievements to her principled stands, remains a topic of reflection—and, for some, unresolved questions—in the wake of this unexpected tragedy.