New Orleans Assistant DA Found Dead In Apparent Suicide

Ian Kersting, a 34-year-old assistant district attorney for Orleans Parish, was found dead on Saturday night in what authorities are describing as an apparent suicide. The incident occurred in the Orleans Parish DA’s office located on South White Street.

Emergency responders pronounced Kersting dead at the scene around 9 p.m., with reports indicating a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Orleans Parish DA’s office issued a statement expressing sorrow over the tragedy: “Assistant District Attorney Ian Kersting was a beloved member of our office, and we send our love and deepest condolences to his family.”

The DA’s office announced that grief and trauma counselors would meet with staff on Monday, and normal operations are expected to resume as early as Tuesday. Local courts and public defenders were commended for their support during this time.

Kersting was admitted to the Louisiana Bar in 2020 and worked with the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) unit. His role involved prosecuting cold-case sexual assault crimes using DNA evidence. In March, he helped convict a child rapist, securing a first-degree rape verdict. In another case in May, Kersting’s work led to the conviction of an individual for child sexual abuse.

His death occurred just days after a terrorist attack on Bourbon Street during New Year’s Eve celebrations. The attack, carried out by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, left 14 people dead and dozens injured when Jabbar drove a Ford F-150 into a crowd. Federal authorities have linked Jabbar to ISIS, citing evidence such as an ISIS flag recovered from the vehicle and a video pledging allegiance to the group.

Kersting’s contributions to the DA’s office were widely recognized, particularly his commitment to justice for victims of heinous crimes. His death leaves a void in the office’s work and marks a tragic moment for the New Orleans legal community.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR