A United States lawyer, specialising in sexual assault cases, was found dead in his office in an apparent suicide on Saturday.
Ian Kersting, practising as assistant district attorney in Louisiana’s Orleans, had an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, reported Daily Mail citing WVUE.
Emergency Medical Service (EMS) arrived on the scene at the DA’s office building at 619 South White St. where Kersting was declared dead.
“The Orleans Parish DA’s Office family suffered a terrible tragedy Saturday night,” the DA’s office told Daily Mail.
“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 respect the privacy of the individuals impacted,” it further added.
Kersting, 34, had been assigned to the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative unit which is responsible for prosecuting cases by submitting and testing previously unsubmitted sexual assault kits.
The New Orleans District Attorney’s office gave Kersting a shoutout for his efforts in a March 22 social media post.
The District Attorney’s Office in Orleans Parish experienced a devastating loss on Saturday evening, according to their statement.
They expressed that Ian Kersting, who served as Assistant District Attorney, was a cherished colleague, and they extended their heartfelt sympathies to his family members.
The office emphasised the significance of mutual support during this period and requested media outlets to maintain the privacy of those affected by this situation.
Records show Kersting was admitted to the Louisiana State Bar on October 30, 2020.
