The tragic passing of Jessica Aber, the former federal prosecutor appointed by President Joe Biden, has now been explained more than five months after she was found dead in her Alexandria home.
The Virginia State Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Monday that Aber, 43, died in her sleep on March 22 from “sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.” Her family shared that she had battled epilepsy and seizures for years. Police at the time of her death had already ruled out foul play.
Career and Legacy
Aber was sworn in as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia in 2021 after being nominated by Biden and unanimously confirmed by the Senate. She served until stepping down on January 20 of this year—the same day President Donald Trump was inaugurated for his second term.
During her three years leading the office, Aber oversaw several high-profile prosecutions. Among them was the conviction of former CIA analyst Asif Rahman, who pled guilty to leaking top secret intelligence about Israel’s planned strike against Iran in 2024. Rahman, 34, received a 37-month prison sentence.
Before her Biden-era appointment, Aber had worked her way up in the Department of Justice, beginning as an assistant U.S. attorney after earning her law degree from William & Mary in 2006. She eventually became deputy chief of the criminal division for the Eastern District of Virginia before her nomination.
Stepping Down as Trump Returned to Office
Aber announced her resignation in advance of President Trump’s return to the White House, posting on X that serving as U.S. Attorney had been an “honor.” She praised the staff in her office, writing:
“EDVA is full of dedicated, extraordinary public servants. Thanks to everyone who kept up with EDVA’s fantastic work on X during my tenure.”
Remembering Her Life
Though Aber was a Biden appointee, colleagues across the political spectrum have acknowledged her dedication to public service and the seriousness with which she approached her work.
