A former U.S. attorney who worked for the Biden administration has been found dead, just two months after she stepped aside from her position.

Jessica D. Aber, 43, was found by police at a home in Alexandria, Virginia on Saturday morning. She was the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia from 2021 to 2025. The cause of her unexpected death is under investigation.

Biden prosecutor found dead

The police received a call about an "unresponsive woman" after 9 a.m. Saturday. When they arrived at the scene, they found a deceased woman who was identified as Aber.

"As a matter of protocol, an investigation is underway surrounding the circumstances of her death," the Alexandria Police said in its statement. "The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia will determine the cause and manner of death."

Aber was nominated by Biden in August 2021 and the Senate unanimously confirmed her in October of that year. Aber resigned on January 20, 2025, when the Biden administration ended.

“Concluding my service to the District as its U.S. Attorney has been an honor beyond measure. I am deeply grateful to Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine and to President Biden for the opportunity to lead this office, and to Attorney General Garland for his steadfast leadership," she said at the time.

Her successor, current U.S. Attorney Erik S. Sieber, said he is "heartbroken beyond words."

"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 said.

Tributes pouring in

Aber studied law at William & Mary, receiving her J.D. in 2006. She began her DOJ career in 2009 as an assistant U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District prosecuting "financial fraud, public corruption, violent crime, and child exploitation cases," according to her DOJ biography.

Jason Miyares, the Republican attorney general of Virginia, said he was "saddened" by the news of Aber's death.

"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," he wrote on X.

Attorney general Pam Bondi shared a reaction as well, writing, "Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this profoundly difficult time.”