A former lieutenant governor of Virginia, Justin Fairfax, has died after fatally shooting his wife, Dr. Cerina Fairfax, in what authorities say was a domestic incident at their home in Annandale.
According to police, Fairfax allegedly shot his wife multiple times in the basement before going upstairs and taking his own life. The incident occurred shortly after midnight.
The couple’s two teenage children were inside the house at the time. Their eldest son reportedly placed a 911 call after the shooting. Authorities described the situation as deeply traumatic for the children, who have now lost both parents.
Investigators believe the incident may be connected to a long-running and difficult divorce between the couple, who had been separated but still living in the same residence. Police had previously responded to a domestic-related call at the home earlier in the year.
Fairfax had recently been served legal documents related to ongoing divorce proceedings, which authorities say could have contributed to the escalation.
Dr. Cerina Fairfax was a dentist who operated a family practice in northern Virginia. The couple had been married for nearly two decades.
Justin Fairfax served as lieutenant governor of Virginia from 2018 to 2022 under Ralph Northam. His political career had faced challenges in the past following allegations he denied, before he later returned to legal practice.
Police say investigations are ongoing, including a review of evidence from cameras installed in the home.