ANNANDALE, Va. — A shocking and deeply tragic case unfolded early Thursday morning in Northern Virginia, where former Democratic Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax shot and killed his wife before taking his own life, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
Police Chief Kevin Davis said Fairfax shot his wife, Cerina Fairfax, multiple times inside their home. Moments later, he went to another part of the residence and used the same firearm to kill himself.
“Justin Fairfax shot and killed — shot several times — and killed his wife, ran to a different part of the home and then killed himself with the same firearm,” Davis said during a press conference.
Domestic Dispute and Ongoing Divorce
Authorities say the shooting appears to stem from an ongoing domestic situation tied to what Davis described as a “complicated or messy divorce.”
The couple, who were no longer together but still living under the same roof, had upcoming court proceedings. Fairfax had recently been served paperwork related to those hearings.
Investigators also confirmed there were multiple cameras inside the home, installed as part of the divorce process. Those cameras are now being reviewed as part of the investigation.
In a prior incident back in January, Fairfax had called police alleging his wife assaulted him. However, after reviewing footage from inside the home, detectives determined that allegation was not supported by evidence.
Children Inside the Home During Shooting
The most heartbreaking detail — the couple’s two teenage children were inside the home when the shootings occurred. Their son was the one who placed the 911 call.
Police described the situation as “extremely traumatic,” and confirmed the children are now being cared for by family members, including grandparents, with support from victim services.
“So tragic for the children to lose both parents… extra tragic for them to actually be in the home when it occurred,” Davis said.
A High-Profile Fall From Grace
Justin Fairfax, a Democrat, served as Virginia’s 41st lieutenant governor from 2018 to 2022 under Gov. Ralph Northam. He later ran for governor in 2021 before returning to private law practice.
His time in office was overshadowed by sexual assault allegations in 2019, brought forward by two women. Fairfax denied the accusations, but the controversy led to widespread calls for his resignation at the time.
In addition to his political career, Fairfax had publicly supported Virginia’s “red flag” gun laws, which allow courts to temporarily restrict firearm access for individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others.
In a 2022 post, Fairfax said:
“We have given commonsense tools like the ‘red flag’ law to law enforcement, the courts and our communities to help keep our families safe…”
Community Reaction
Police say the case has left many in the community stunned, especially given Fairfax’s public profile and professional background.
“Half of America probably goes through divorce proceedings… and very, very rarely does it end like this,” Davis said. “Everybody’s shocked. We’re shocked.”
Authorities are still working to determine additional details, including the origin of the firearm used in the shootings.
If You Need Help
This story involves suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.
📞 Call or text 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
📞 Or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)