Former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax shot and killed his wife, Cerina Fairfax, before fatally shooting himself in their Annandale, Virginia home early Thursday morning, according to Fairfax County police.
Police responded shortly after midnight following a 911 call placed by Fairfax’s teenage son, who reported that his mother appeared to have been stabbed. Upon arrival, officers found Cerina Fairfax shot multiple times in the basement, with bullet casings nearby. They later discovered Justin Fairfax upstairs with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, confirming a murder-suicide.
Both of the couple’s teenage children were home at the time of the incident. Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis described the event as sudden, stating there was no prolonged confrontation and that “it all happened pretty spontaneously.”
Domestic dispute amid divorce proceedings
Authorities confirmed that Justin and Cerina Fairfax were in the early stages of divorce; Cerina filed for divorce in July 2025. The couple had been separated but continued living in the same house, occupying separate bedrooms. Police described the situation as “an ongoing domestic dispute” complicated by the divorce.
Earlier in January, Justin Fairfax had called police alleging that Cerina assaulted him, though investigators found no evidence of an assault after reviewing home security footage.
Public figures respond
Justin Fairfax, 47, served as Virginia’s 41st lieutenant governor from 2018 until 2022. His tenure was marked by controversy, including sexual assault allegations from two women claiming incidents from his college years, which Fairfax denied as consensual encounters.
Virginia Senator Mark Warner called the news “awful” and expressed shock, adding, “This unexpected shock… I just can’t imagine what his family is going through.” Governor Abigail Spanberger called the event a “horrific tragedy” and offered prayers for the children and family.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the severe consequences of domestic disputes escalating amid divorce proceedings, underscoring the importance of support services for families in crisis. The fact that the couple’s children witnessed the trauma adds to the gravity of the tragedy.
Background
Justin Fairfax’s political career and public controversies received significant attention, especially after sexual assault accusations in 2019, which he denied. His family life had reportedly been strained for months, culminating in the tragic event at the family home.
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