In the early hours of a quiet Saturday morning, the serene calm of an Alexandria, Virginia neighborhood was shattered by the shocking discovery of a body at a local residence. The deceased was identified as Jessica Aber, a former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. The discovery of Aber’s body sent shockwaves through the local community and reverberated across the nation, as the law enforcement fraternity and the legal community grappled with the sudden loss of a respected colleague and a prominent figure in the field of law enforcement.
At 9:18 a.m. Eastern Time, officers from the Alexandria Police Department responded to a distress call alerting them to an unresponsive woman. Upon arrival at the location, the officers were confronted with the grim reality: Jessica Aber, aged 43 and a former federal prosecutor, was pronounced dead at the scene. The police were not immediately able to ascertain if the house where Aber was found belonged to her or who had made the initial call to the authorities.
The cause of Aber’s death remains uncertain, pending further examination by the Virginia medical examiner’s office. In keeping with standard protocol, an investigation surrounding the circumstances of her death has been initiated by the police. No additional information or details were available at the time of the announcement.
Jessica Aber was a formidable figure in the arena of law enforcement and public service. Nominated by then-President Joe Biden in August 2021, she was unanimously confirmed by the Senate and took on the role of U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. For three years, Aber led the department, stepping down only in January when President Trump began his second term.
Her successor, Erik Siebert, the current U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, expressed his grief over the tragic loss. “We are heartbroken beyond words to learn of the passing of our friend and former colleague, U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber,” Siebert said in a statement. “She was unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor, and she is simply irreplaceable as a human being. We remain in awe of how much she accomplished in her all too brief time in this world.”
In a heartfelt tribute to Aber, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares lauded her for her significant contributions to Ceasefire Virginia. Implemented in 2022, this statewide initiative was designed to combat violent crime. Aber’s work with Ceasefire Virginia, Miyares noted, had saved more lives than anyone could possibly comprehend.
Before her tenure as U.S. Attorney, Aber had worked in private practice. She joined the Eastern District of Virginia in 2009, serving in various capacities, including as assistant U.S. Attorney and deputy chief of the department’s criminal division. As U.S. attorney, she led a team of around 300 people, overseeing the district serving approximately six million residents.
Born and raised in Virginia, Aber was a proud alumna of the University of Richmond, where she completed her undergraduate studies. She earned her law degree from William & Mary Law School in 2006.
The news of Aber’s untimely passing has sent shockwaves through the community and the nation at large. A highly respected figure in the realm of law enforcement, Aber was known for her dedication to public service and her commitment to justice. Her loss will be deeply felt by her colleagues, her community, and all those whose lives she touched through her work.
As the investigation into her death continues, the community awaits answers, grappling with the loss of a dedicated public servant whose work has left an indelible impact on the district she served and the field of law enforcement. Her legacy will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps, reminding them of the profound difference one person can make in the pursuit of justice and public service.
