Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax and Wife Found Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide, Police Say
Former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax allegedly shot and killed his wife, Dr. Cerina Fairfax, before turning the gun on himself inside their Annandale home, according to Fairfax County police. Authorities say the incident unfolded shortly after midnight and is being investigated as a murder-suicide.
Police responded to the 8100 block of Guinevere Drive after the couple’s teenage son called 911. Investigators confirmed that both Justin Fairfax, 47, and his wife, 49, were found dead inside the residence.
Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis said Dr. Fairfax was shot multiple times in the basement of the home before Fairfax went upstairs and fatally shot himself in the primary bedroom using the same firearm. The couple’s two teenage children were present in the home at the time of the incident but were not physically harmed.
Authorities described the situation as rapidly unfolding. Investigators also noted that the couple was in the middle of a “complicated” and “messy” divorce at the time of the shooting.
According to police, Fairfax had recently been served legal paperwork related to ongoing divorce proceedings, which may have contributed to the events leading up to the tragedy. Officials also confirmed that a prior domestic allegation made by Fairfax against his wife was investigated and found to be unsubstantiated based on home surveillance footage.
Fairfax, once considered a rising political figure, served as Virginia’s lieutenant governor from 2018 to 2022. His political career was later overshadowed by sexual assault allegations in 2019, which he denied. He did not face criminal charges and later ran unsuccessfully for governor.
Dr. Cerina Fairfax operated a private dentistry practice and was described as a respected professional in her field. The deaths have prompted shock and condolences from local leaders and the wider Virginia political community.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, while emphasizing that all available evidence suggests the events occurred quickly inside the home.
Authorities have not released additional details as the investigation remains ongoing.