In a major update regarding the mystery surrounding Biden-appointed U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber, her death might have been finally solved.
Aber, who quietly resigned on President Donald Trump’s inauguration day, was recently found dead at 43 in her Virginia home.
Her family revealed she suffered from epilepsy, a condition that affects millions of Americans yet receives little public attention compared to other disorders.
Alexandria Police Department officials confirmed they found no evidence of foul play at the scene, preliminarily ruling Aber’s death as due to natural causes.
“While the investigation into the death of Ms. Jessica Aber is ongoing, at this time, detectives have found no evidence suggesting that her death was caused by anything other than natural causes,” the department said.
This tragic loss highlights how deadly epilepsy can be as Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) presents a real but underreported risk.
Aber headed the Eastern District of Virginia office for over three years after Joe Biden nominated her in 202.
She stepped down from her position on January 20, 2025, the same day President Trump was inaugurated for his second term.
The timing of her resignation and death just two months later has raised questions among some observers, though police have found no suspicious circumstances.
As U.S. Attorney, Aber managed approximately 300 prosecutors and staff while overseeing significant federal prosecutions in Virginia.
Her office handled high-profile cases, including the prosecution of a former CIA analyst and cases involving Russian money laundering and war crimes.
Her legal career began in 2009 at the Department of Justice, where she built a reputation for competence and professionalism.
Aber’s family revealed that she had “suffered from epilepsy and epileptic seizures for many years.”
The family’s words shed light on a condition that affects nearly 3.4 million Americans but often remains hidden from public view.
Medical experts note that epilepsy can lead to fatal asphyxiation or heart problems, with SUDEP occurring in about 1 in 1,000 people with epilepsy each year.
The Virginian graduated from the University of Richmond in 2003 and earned her law degree from William and Mary Law School in 2006.
Her impressive legal career included service as an assistant U.S. attorney and deputy chief of the criminal division before her appointment as U.S. Attorney.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi expressed condolences, saying, “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.”
Additionally, Aber’s colleagues widely respected her legal judgment and leadership skills.
Aber’s family has requested privacy during this difficult time, stating they are “in shock and grieving deeply” while awaiting further information from the medical examiner about the exact cause of death.
The case officially remains open pending the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s final ruling, which is expected in the coming weeks.
