Mystery in San Diego: Former federal prosecutor found dead inside a government building

Former acting federal prosecutor Andrew Haden was found dead Wednesday inside the Edward J. Schwartz Federal Building in downtown San Diego, where he had spent much of his legal career. San Diego Police Department responded to the building after Haden was reported missing. Authorities stated that there were no signs of criminal activity related to his death, and that the official cause and manner of death have not been announced and are pending an autopsy by the County Medical Examiner's Office.

Adam Gordon, the current U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of California, described Haden's death as a devastating loss for the office and noted that both his cheerfulness and his commitment to public service were the defining characteristics of the former prosecutor. "This is one of the darkest days in our office’s history, but there was nothing dark about Andrew Haden’s life. He was a beacon of light, full of laughter, friendship, integrity and an unwavering commitment to serving our community. We will honor his life and legacy by carrying his light forward, today and always," Gordon said in a statement sent to the network Fox News.

Who was Andrew Haden?

Haden, 48, had served as a federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California since 2010 and served as acting U.S. attorney on two occasions during leadership transitions, leading the office for approximately two months in 2023 and another two months last year.

Haden earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Stanford University. He subsequently served for five years in the U.S. Navy. After completing his military service, he attended the University of San Diego School of Law. Before beginning his career as a federal prosecutor, he worked as a law clerk for U.S. District Judge Thomas J. Whelan of the Southern District of California.

Throughout his 16-year career at the office, Haden held numerous leadership positions, including chief of the Criminal Division and chief of the Violent Crimes and Human Trafficking Section. He also served as lead trial attorney, trial team leader, and coordinator of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program. His work included prosecutions related to violent crimes, public corruption, arms trafficking and child exploitation.