Govind Tekale
Former United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Jessica Aber was found dead at her Alexandria, Virginia home on Saturday, March 22, 2025. She was 43 years old. According to family statements and police reports, Aber’s death appears to be from natural causes related to her long-standing epilepsy condition.
Death Discovery and Initial Investigation
Alexandria Police Department officers responded to a 911 call regarding an unresponsive woman at approximately 9:18-9:20 a.m. on Saturday morning. Upon arrival at the residence, they discovered Aber deceased inside the home.
In an update released on Tuesday, March 25, the Alexandria Police Department stated, “Detectives have found no evidence suggesting that her death was caused by anything other than natural causes.” However, they noted that “the investigation is ongoing, and the case will remain open until the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner returns a final ruling on the cause and manner of death.”
Family Confirms Epilepsy History
On Wednesday, March 26, Aber’s family released a statement acknowledging her medical condition as a likely factor in her death.
“It is with tremendous sorrow that we acknowledge the sudden passing of our beloved Jessica (Jess) Aber, who died in her sleep on Saturday, March 22,” the statement read. “Jess suffered from epilepsy and epileptic seizures for many years.”
The family indicated they expect more information from the medical examiner in the coming weeks. They have requested privacy as they deal with their loss, stating they are “in shock and grieving deeply.”
Distinguished Legal Career
Jessica Aber served as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia from October 2021 until January 2025. She was nominated by President Joe Biden in August 2021 and unanimously confirmed by the Senate on October 5, 2021, becoming the third woman to lead the office.
Aber resigned from her position on January 20, 2025—the same day President Donald Trump was inaugurated for his second term, which is a common transition point for U.S. Attorneys appointed by the previous administration.
As U.S. Attorney, Aber oversaw a staff of approximately 300 prosecutors and other personnel. Her office handled numerous high-profile cases, including the conviction of an MS-13 gang leader for multiple murders in June 2023, charges against Russian nationals for operating a billion-dollar cryptocurrency money laundering platform in May 2024, and historic war crimes charges against Russian soldiers for actions in Ukraine in December 2023.
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Professional Path
Before becoming U.S. Attorney, Aber had extensive experience in the Justice Department. After graduating from William & Mary Law School in 2006, she clerked for Magistrate Judge M. Hannah Lauck in the Eastern District of Virginia from 2006 to 2007. She then worked as an associate at McGuireWoods before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2009 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney.
Her dedication led to serving as Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for the DOJ’s Criminal Division from 2015 to 2016, and subsequently as Deputy Chief of the EDVA Criminal Division from 2016 to 2021.
Tributes from Legal Community
Erik Siebert, the current U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, expressed profound grief in a statement, saying he was “heartbroken beyond words” upon learning of Aber’s passing.
“She was unmatched as a leader, mentor, and prosecutor and she is simply irreplaceable as a human being,” Siebert stated. “We remain in awe of how much she accomplished in her all too brief time in this world. Her professionalism, grace, and legal acumen set the standard.”
U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi also issued a statement, describing Aber’s passing as “deeply tragic” and extending thoughts and prayers to her family and friends.
Epilepsy and Sudden Death: Medical Context
While specific details of Aber’s medical history are private, epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. In rare cases, individuals with epilepsy can experience a complication known as Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), though this specific diagnosis has not been confirmed in Aber’s case.
The medical examiner’s final determination on the cause and manner of death is still pending. According to both police statements and family communications, authorities currently believe natural causes related to her epilepsy condition led to her death while sleeping.
Ongoing Investigation
As of Thursday, March 27, 2025, the Alexandria Police Department continues its standard investigation protocol while awaiting the final determination from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. This report will provide official confirmation regarding the exact cause of Aber’s death.
The legal community continues to mourn the loss of a dedicated public servant whose career was marked by significant contributions to justice and law enforcement in Virginia and beyond.
