An assistant district attorney, working for the New Orleans DA's office has been found dead in his office in an apparent suicide involving "gunshot wounds."
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Ian Kersting was a practicing assistant
district attorney in New Orleans. He specialized in investigating and prosecuting sexual assault cases. His job was to bring forward new evidence in sexual assault cases, helping lock away rapists, and abusers. He was a part of the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, which used previously unsubmitted sexual assault kits.Tragically, on Saturday, he was found dead in his office at 619 South White St. The reports from the police state that he suffered a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The death is still under investigation. However, the death of the New Orleans attorney is initially considered a suicide.
Suicide Of Assistant DA Left New Orleans Teams In Shock
The tragic apparent suicide of the young man has left the New Orleans office grieving. The assistant to the district attorney was working on important, and life-changing cases. He dedicated his time to ensuring dangerous sex criminals were kept off the streets, and behind bars.
The New Orleans District Attorney's office spoke out about the alleged suicide. "The Orleans Parish DA's Office family suffered a terrible tragedy Saturday night," they said. "Assistant District Attorney Ian Kersting was a beloved member of our office, and we send our love and deepest condolences to his family. It's important that we support each other right now, and we ask the media to respect the privacy of the individuals impacted."
In a later statement, the office addressed the tragedies affecting the members of the office. Of course, a death like this, in the office people work in, will have a large ripple effect. "We extend our deepest gratitude to the judges of Criminal District Court and Juvenile Court, as well as the Orleans Public Defenders, for their extraordinary compassion and humanity during this challenging time, as there will be members of our staff who will require time to cope and heal."
At this time, his family, friends, and colleagues are mourning his apparent suicide. His loss is a great one for both the city and the office.
