Former Virginia Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax kills wife then kills himself

Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax and his wife, Dr. Cerina W. Fairfax, were found dead early Thursday morning in what Fairfax County police describe as an apparent murder‑suicide at their home in Annandale, Virginia.

Police Chief Kevin Davis said officers were called shortly after midnight to the 8100 block of Guinevere Drive, where they discovered the couple deceased inside the residence. According to investigators, Justin Fairfax fatally shot his wife in the home's basement before going upstairs to the primary bedroom and taking his own life.

Children Were Home, Son Called 911

Both of the couple's teenage children were inside the home at the time of the shooting. Their son called 911 just after midnight, initially reporting that he believed his mother had been stabbed. Responding officers later found bullet casings near Dr. Fairfax's body and located Justin Fairfax upstairs with a self‑inflicted gunshot wound. Police emphasized the traumatic nature of the incident for the children, who are now with family members.

Divorce Proceedings and Prior Police Response

Authorities confirmed the couple had been separated but still living together in the home while undergoing contentious divorce proceedings. Fairfax had recently been served paperwork related to an upcoming court hearing, which investigators say may have been a contributing factor.

Police also noted a prior domestic‑related call in January, when Justin Fairfax alleged that his wife had assaulted him. However, security camera footage-installed by Dr. Fairfax amid the divorce-showed that no assault occurred, and no charges were filed.

Background on Justin and Cerina Fairfax

Justin Fairfax, 47, served as Virginia's lieutenant governor from 2018 to 2022 and was once considered a rising figure in state Democratic politics before his career was derailed by sexual assault allegations, which he denied and for which he was never charged.

Dr. Cerina Fairfax was a dentist with a practice in Fairfax County. The couple met at Duke University and married in 2006. Court records show she had filed for divorce last year.

Ongoing Investigation

Fairfax County police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Detectives are reviewing extensive home surveillance footage and plan to execute a search warrant as part of the ongoing inquiry. Authorities stress that there is no threat to the community.