A former top federal prosecutor has been found dead at 43, prompting an active investigation. Authorities released a statement confirming her identity and outlining the next steps.

Jessica Aber, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, died at 43. According to the Alexandria Police Department, officers responded to the 900 block of Beverley Drive at approximately 9:18 a.m. on March 22, 2025, after receiving a report of an unresponsive woman.

Police confirmed that Aber was found deceased at the scene. Her identity was released following notification of her family. An investigation is currently underway to determine the circumstances of her death.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia will determine the official cause and manner of death as part of standard procedure.

Aber served as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA), overseeing all federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation on behalf of the United States in a district that serves more than six million residents.

She led a team of roughly 300 attorneys and staff across four divisions located in Alexandria, Richmond, Norfolk, and Newport News.

Nominated by President Joe Biden on August 10, 2021, and unanimously confirmed by the Senate on October 5, Aber officially assumed office two days later.

Her federal service began in 2009 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, where she handled cases involving public corruption, violent crime, financial fraud, and child exploitation.

She also served on detail as counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, and later became Deputy Chief of EDVA’s Criminal Division.

Her career was marked by distinction, including the Assistant Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Service, awarded by the Department of Justice in 2019.

Aber earned her law degree from William & Mary Law School in 2006 and completed her undergraduate studies magna cum laude at the University of Richmond in 2003.

However, after more than three years in the role, Aber stepped down as U.S. Attorney effective January 20, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. She marked the moment on social media, posting:

“Serving as U.S. Attorney has been an honor. EDVA is full of dedicated, extraordinary public servants. Thanks to everyone who kept up with EDVA’s fantastic work on X during my tenure.”

In the days following her death, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares paid tribute to Aber on X, writing, “I am saddened to learn of the passing of Jessica Aber, whose career of public service included US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia and whose work with Ceasefire Virginia saved more lives than we may ever realize. Our thoughts and our prayers are with her family this week.”

U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert also honored Aber’s legacy in a statement, sharing, “We are heartbroken beyond words to learn of the passing of our friend and former colleague, U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber. 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. Her professionalism, grace, and legal acumen set the standard. Though we are devastated by this loss, each of us in the Eastern District of Virginia will look to her example and endeavor to live up to that standard,” the statement, shared on X, continued.

“Jess was a proud Virginian from high school through college and throughout her career. She loved EDVA and EDVA loved her back. We remain committed to her life’s work, a commitment to seeking justice, as she would have wanted,” he added.

The news of Aber’s death has added to a somber period of deaths in Virginia. Earlier in the year, two Virginia Beach police officers were fatally shot during a late-night traffic stop.

On February 21, 2025, at 11:27 p.m., officers Cameron Girvin and Christopher Reese attempted to stop a blue Hyundai Sonata for an expired license plate. The driver initially refused to pull over before stopping at the dead end of Silven Court.

When the officers approached, the driver became argumentative and repeatedly refused commands to exit the vehicle. After several requests, he eventually stepped out, but almost immediately, a struggle broke out.

During the altercation, the driver pulled a handgun from his pocket and opened fire, striking both officers. While they lay defenseless on the ground, he fired again, fatally wounding them before fleeing.

Backup officers responded within minutes and launched a search for the driver. He was later found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in a shed behind an apartment complex near the scene.

Authorities confirmed him to be 42-year-old John McCoy III, a convicted felon. Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate addressed the public in an emotional press conference, providing details on the tragic loss of Officers Girvin and Reese.

He revealed that Officer Reese, 30, was pronounced dead shortly after midnight at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital, surrounded by family, friends, and fellow officers. Officer Girvin, 25, succumbed to his injuries at Virginia Beach General Hospital around 4:30 a.m., also surrounded by loved ones and members of his police family.

Speaking on the department’s grief, he stated, “We’re all hurting. We’ve got families that have lost a loved one in the prime of their life, and they are completely devastated.” Neighbors described hearing gunshots and witnessing a heavy police presence.

Marcus Burton, who lives near the scene, said he initially heard several gunshots but didn’t realize the gravity of the situation until he saw police swarming the neighborhood. “I looked out my window and saw a guy walking through the alleyway. Next thing you know, the whole neighborhood’s full of cops,” he said.

Another resident, Micka Carden, expressed disbelief that such violence could occur in what she described as a quiet community. “My son was a police officer in the Army. My husband and I both served in the military. We respect law enforcement, and it’s just terrible that this happened. It’s awful,” she said.

Community members and law enforcement agencies have since offered their condolences, mourning the loss of the two officers who paid the ultimate price in service to their city.

Virginia Beach Fire Department shared in part on Facebook, “Our hearts are filled with profound sadness and sorrow this morning upon learning of the tragic loss of two of our brothers in blue. We extend our deepest condolences and offer our prayers to the grieving families […].”

Someone close to Girvin also took to Facebook and wrote in part, “I cannot think of the words to describe how I’m feeling. I’m angry, I’m sad, I’m heartbroken, I’m a whirlwind of emotion. Cameron Girvin you where not just a coworker or a partner you where one of my best friends, you where a brother to me [sic].”