Ian Kersting, aged 34 and serving as an Assistant District Attorney (ADA) for Orleans Parish, Louisiana, specializing in sexual assault cases, was found deceased in his office on the evening of January 4, 2024. The New Orleans police report suggests a self-inflicted gunshot wound was the cause of death.
Kersting’s body was discovered at approximately 9 p.m. in the Orleans Parish ADA’s office, located at 619 South White Street, a short distance north of Bourbon Street. Emergency medical personnel declared him dead at the scene.
The Orleans Parish ADA’s office expressed their grief over the tragedy, stating, “Assistant District Attorney Ian Kersting was a beloved member of our office, and we send our love and deepest condolences to his family.”
Kersting was a significant contributor to the office’s Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) unit. His role entailed collaborating with New Orleans Police Department detectives to investigate and prosecute sex crimes using DNA evidence analysis. The SAKI program, designed to address untested sexual assault kits, has played a crucial role in delivering justice to numerous victims in the New Orleans area.
During his tenure, Kersting was recognized for his adeptness at managing intricate sexual assault cases. As recently as March 2024, he was instrumental in securing a conviction for attempted first-degree rape and indecent behavior with a juvenile under the age of 13, the Orleans Parish ADA’s office stated.
One of Kersting’s most noteworthy accomplishments occurred in November 2022. He served as the lead prosecutor in the renowned murder case against Anthony Jones. This case centered on the 2016 murder of Renata Vaughn in New Orleans’ 7th Ward. Trial evidence revealed that Vaughn was stabbed 72 times with a flathead screwdriver in front of her children before Jones set her home ablaze. The prosecution successfully attained convictions for second-degree murder and obstruction of justice.
Jason Williams, District Attorney, commended Kersting’s work in the case, stating, “I am grateful for the hard work of two of my youngest prosecutors, Constance Tullier and Ian Kersting, as well as Victim/Witness Advocate Vickie Landry and former NOPD Detective Bruce Brueggeman on this difficult case.”
Kersting began his role at the ADA’s office shortly after being admitted to the Louisiana State Bar in October 2020. He spent three years working on several high-profile cases, demonstrating a steadfast dedication to victims of sexual assault. His peers lauded his commitment to justice and his professional and empathetic approach to sensitive cases.
In response to Kersting’s death, the ADA’s office closed its facilities on January 6 to allow staff access to grief and trauma counselors. They also began a thorough evaluation of the support services provided to staff members who handle traumatic cases. The office expressed gratitude to the local legal community for their “extraordinary compassion and humanity” during this difficult period. The office also emphasized its commitment to maintaining mental health resources for prosecutors and support staff who consistently deal with challenging criminal cases. Operations resumed on January 7.
The incident was recorded in the New Orleans Police Department’s Major Offense Log, and investigators processed the scene following the department’s standard procedures. The building’s security protocols and after-hours access policies are currently under review as part of the standard investigation process.
