Update-Former U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber, who was found dead Saturday morning in her Virginia home, is believed to have died of natural causes, according to authorities cited by the New York Post. A family friend previously told NBC News that police suspected a medical issue was the cause of death. Additionally, two former senior Justice Department officials told the outlet that local law enforcement did not suspect 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.
“The investigation is ongoing, and the case will remain open until the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) returns a final ruling on the cause and manner of death,” Alexandria police added.
Aber, whose office earned recognition for prosecuting CIA leaks and Russian nationals involved in U.S. fraud cases, stepped down from her position when President Trump took office on January 20.
Police said any further details about the cause of her death will come from the medical examiner.
Jessica Aber, the former United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, was found dead in her Alexandria home on the morning of March 22, according to local police. She was 43 years old.
Authorities responded to a 9:18 a.m. call about an unresponsive woman at a residence on Beverly Drive, a suburb of Washington, D.C. Upon arrival, officers found Aber deceased.
While an official cause of death has not yet been determined, two sources close to the investigation told ABC News that Aber’s death appears to be from natural causes. There is currently no indication of foul play.
A family friend also stated that authorities believe Aber’s death resulted from a longstanding medical condition. However, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is still conducting a formal review.
Aber was a respected prosecutor who served as U.S. attorney from 2021 until January 2025, stepping down shortly after President Donald Trump’s inauguration. During her tenure, she oversaw 300 prosecutors and staff, handling high-profile financial fraud, public corruption, violent crime, and child exploitation cases.
A proud Virginian, Aber attended William and Mary Law School, graduating in 2006. She began her career as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in 2009, dedicating over a decade to public service in the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA).
News of Aber’s passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from colleagues and officials.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi expressed her grief on X, writing, “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.”
Her successor, U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert, called Aber “unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor”, adding: “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.”
Siebert also praised her dedication, stating, “Her professionalism, grace, and legal acumen set the standard. Though we are devastated by this loss, each of us in EDVA will look to her example and endeavor to live up to that standard.”
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares also acknowledged her contributions, particularly her role in Ceasefire Virginia, a violence prevention initiative:”Her work with Ceasefire Virginia saved more lives than we may ever realize. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family this week.”
Aber’s passing marks a significant loss for the legal community and the state of Virginia. Known for her integrity, dedication, and commitment to justice, she leaves behind a lasting impact on those she worked with and the cases she prosecuted.
As the investigation into her death continues, friends, family, and colleagues remember a legal powerhouse gone too soon.
