Law enforcement officials in Alexandria are investigating the death of Jessica Aber, a former U.S. Attorney who was found unresponsive Saturday morning at a residence in the city. Aber, who recently stepped down from her role as the top federal prosecutor for the Eastern District of Virginia, was 43.
Police were called to the scene around 9 a.m. after receiving a report about a woman who was not breathing. The department has not released the name of the person who called 911 or whether Aber lived at the location.
The loss of Jessica Aber, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, is deeply tragic. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this profoundly difficult time.
— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) March 23, 2025
The Alexandria Police Department confirmed that an official investigation is underway and said the Virginia medical examiner will determine the cause and manner of death. While there has been no official ruling, a person familiar with Aber’s family told Fox News that she had suffered from a chronic medical condition.
Aber resigned her post on January 20, the day President Donald Trump was sworn into office. She had served as U.S. Attorney since 2021 after being nominated by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the Senate. Her career at the Department of Justice began in 2009.
One of her most high-profile cases involved the successful prosecution of a former CIA employee who admitted to leaking classified materials about Israel’s military planning. Aber stated the leak endangered lives and damaged international intelligence partnerships.
She also brought charges against two Virginia executives accused of violating export laws by sending restricted technology to Russia during a time of heightened U.S. sanctions.
Another case led to the indictment of two Russian nationals tied to a cybercrime laundering network described by U.S. authorities as one of the largest known operations of its kind.
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares noted Aber’s work in anti-violence efforts through Ceasefire Virginia, crediting her contributions to public safety. Her successor, U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert, called Aber’s example one that others would strive to match.
Aber also served a year as counsel within the Justice Department’s Criminal Division under the Obama administration, where she advised on nationwide criminal enforcement strategies.
