Ian Kersting, a 34-year-old assistant district attorney in Orleans Parish, was found dead Saturday night in what authorities believe was a suicide. The incident occurred inside the DA’s office building on South White Street.
Emergency responders pronounced Kersting dead at the scene around 9 p.m., citing an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The DA’s office expressed sorrow over the loss, calling Kersting a “beloved member” of their team.
New Orleans Parish assistant DA dies by apparent suicide in office: report | Fox News https://t.co/eONP9S0YgA
— $$kountry (@Redbilly__) January 7, 2025
Kersting, a Louisiana Bar member since 2020, worked in the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI), focusing on solving cold-case sex crimes. His work was instrumental in securing convictions for child predators in two high-profile cases earlier this year.
Come on. A New Orleans Assistant DA commits "suicide"? Just as an investigation is ongoing regarding the recent terror attack? And self inflicted gunshot WOUNDS? Plural?? What did he find out?
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Ian Kersting, a Parish prosecutor near New Orleans died with "apparent… pic.twitter.com/jafzLYFP58— VAL THOR (@CMDRVALTHOR) January 7, 2025
The timing of the tragedy coincides with heightened tensions in the city following a New Year’s Eve terror attack on Bourbon Street. The attack, carried out by ISIS-inspired assailant Shamsud-Din Jabbar, left 14 dead and dozens injured. Investigators recovered evidence of Jabbar’s allegiance to ISIS from his vehicle.
New Orleans assistant DA apparently commits suicide just days after terrorist attack https://t.co/OUK3wfv1H2
— PoorGrandma (@1PoorGrandma) January 6, 2025
Counseling services were provided to the DA’s office staff on Monday, with normal operations expected to resume Tuesday. The DA’s office praised Kersting’s dedication to justice, particularly in cases involving the city’s most vulnerable victims.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding Kersting’s death, with no further information available at this time.
