Update: Former U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber, found dead Saturday morning in her Alexandria, Virginia home, is believed to have died of natural causes, authorities told the New York Post. A family friend had earlier told NBC News that police suspected a medical issue. Two former senior Justice Department officials also confirmed that local law enforcement saw no signs of foul play.
“At this time, detectives have found no evidence suggesting that her death was caused by anything other than natural causes,” Alexandria police said on March 25.
They added that the investigation remains open pending a final ruling from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) on the exact cause and manner of death.
Jessica Aber, 43, served as the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia from 2021 until January 2025, stepping down shortly after President Donald Trump took office. She earned a reputation for prosecuting high-profile cases, including CIA leaks and Russian nationals involved in fraud targeting the U.S.
Authorities responded to a 9:18 a.m. call on March 22 reporting an unresponsive woman at a home on Beverly Drive, just outside Washington, D.C. Upon arrival, officers found Aber deceased. Sources close to the investigation told ABC News her death appears to have resulted from natural causes, possibly linked to a preexisting medical condition, though the OCME’s formal review is ongoing.
Aber’s career spanned over a decade in public service, beginning as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in 2009 after graduating from William & Mary Law School in 2006. As U.S. Attorney, she oversaw 300 prosecutors and staff handling major financial fraud, public corruption, violent crime, and child exploitation cases.
Tributes have poured in from across the legal community:
- U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi called the loss “deeply tragic,” offering prayers for her loved ones.
- Her successor, U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert, described her as “unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor” and “simply irreplaceable as a human being.”
- Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares praised her work on Ceasefire Virginia, saying it “saved more lives than we may ever realize.”
Colleagues remember her as a legal powerhouse whose professionalism, grace, and dedication set the standard for others to follow. As the investigation continues, Jessica Aber is mourned not only for her leadership and skill in the courtroom but for the impact she left on the people and communities she served.