New Orleans assistant DA who specialized in sexual assault cases is found dead in his office

A Louisiana prosecutor specializing in sexual assault cases was found dead in his office in an apparent suicide.

Orleans Parish Assistant District Attorney Ian Kersting, 34, was found Saturday around 9 p.m. with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, reported WVUE.

New Orleans EMS arrived on scene at the DA's office building at 619 South White St. where Kersting was pronounced dead. 

'The Orleans Parish DA's Office family suffered a terrible tragedy Saturday night,' the DA's office 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 respect the privacy of the individuals impacted.'

Kersting 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. 

'In a recent win for justice, the joint efforts of ADA Michelle Jones (SVU) and Ian Kersting (SAKI), alongside Investigator Ronnie Puigh (SVU), Project Manager Sydney Houlemard (SVU), and Trial Assistant Daphne Carroll (SVU), led to a significant verdict,' the post said.

'The case involved charges of 1st-degree rape and indecent behavior with a juvenile under the age of 13.

'Following deliberation, the jury delivered its verdict: guilty of attempted 1st-degree rape and guilty as charged for the indecent behavior charge. The successful outcome underscores the dedication and skill of our team in pursuing justice for the most vulnerable members of our community.' 

Records show Kersting was admitted to the Louisiana State Bar on October 30, 2020. 

For help and support call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on 988