Jessica Aber, the former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, has been found dead at the age of 43, prompting an active investigation. Authorities have confirmed her identity and outlined the next steps in determining the cause of her death.
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. Upon arrival, they found Aber deceased at the scene. Her identity was released after notifying her family.
An investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding her death. As part of standard procedure, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia will establish the official cause and manner of death.
Aber previously served as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia (EDVA), where she oversaw federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation in a jurisdiction covering more than six million residents.
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Jessica Aber speaking during a press conference at the U.S. Department of Justice on December 6, 2023, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images
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.
A screenshot of former U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber from a post dated May 11, 2023. | Source: YouTube/United States Attorneys
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.
A screenshot of former U.S. Attorney Jessica Aber from a post dated May 11, 2023. | Source: YouTube/United States Attorneys
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.”
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.
Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate addressing the public during a press conference. | Source: YouTube/13News Now
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.
Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate addressing the public during a press conference. | Source: YouTube/13News Now
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.
A Virginia Beach forensic truck | Source: Getty Images
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].”
