Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax fatally shot his wife, Cerina Fairfax, before taking his own life early Thursday in what authorities are calling a murder-suicide, according to police and reports.
Officers responded shortly after midnight to the couple’s home in Annandale, a suburb of Washington, D.C., after receiving a 911 call from one of their teenage children, who was inside the residence at the time. Kevin Davis said Fairfax shot his wife multiple times before going upstairs and killing himself.
Authorities say the couple had been going through a contentious divorce while still living in the same home, a situation police described as a “complicated or messy” domestic dispute. Court-related paperwork had recently been served ahead of an upcoming hearing, which investigators believe may have contributed to the escalation.
The couple’s two children were home during the shooting and contacted emergency services. They are now with other family members as the investigation continues.
Cerina Fairfax, 49, was a dentist and former second lady of Virginia during her husband’s term in office. Friends and colleagues described her as a devoted mother and respected professional.
Justin Fairfax, 47, served as Virginia’s lieutenant governor from 2018 to 2022 and was once considered a rising figure in Democratic politics. His career was derailed in 2019 after multiple women accused him of sexual assault—allegations he denied. He later ran for governor in 2021 but failed to secure the nomination.
Police also revealed prior domestic-related incidents at the home, including a January call in which Fairfax accused his wife of assault. Investigators later determined that claim was unfounded after reviewing home surveillance footage.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Virginia’s political and local communities, with officials expressing condolences for the couple’s children and urging those facing domestic or emotional crises to seek help.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
