New Orleans Assistant DA Ian Kersting Dies in Apparent Office Suicide
Ian Kersting, a 34-year-old assistant district attorney in Orleans Parish, was found dead Sunday night in his office from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities confirmed.
Police discovered Kersting’s body at the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s office on South White Street around 9 p.m. The tragic incident is being investigated as a suicide.
Kersting, who joined the Louisiana Bar in October 2023, was a specialist in sexual harassment cases. He played a critical role in the DA office’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, collaborating with the New Orleans Police Department to investigate and prosecute sex crimes using DNA evidence.
The Orleans Parish District Attorney’s office released a statement expressing profound grief over the loss of one of their own. “The Orleans Parish DA’s Office family suffered a terrible tragedy Saturday night,” the statement said. “Assistant District Attorney Ian Kersting was a beloved member of our office, and we send our love and deepest condolences to his family.”
Kersting’s work in the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative was highly regarded, as it aimed to bring justice to victims of sexual crimes through the meticulous use of forensic evidence. His contributions to this crucial program will leave a lasting impact.
The legal community and Kersting’s colleagues are mourning the loss of a promising attorney and dedicated public servant. No additional details about the circumstances surrounding his death have been released.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, help is available. Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 988 for confidential support 24/7.
