Summary
Justin Fairfax, the former lieutenant governor of Virginia, shot and killed his wife, Cerina Fairfax, and then took his own life in their home. Police said the tragedy is linked to the couple’s ongoing divorce, and their two children were at home during the incident.
Key Facts
- Justin Fairfax was 47 years old and served as Virginia’s lieutenant governor until 2022.
- Cerina Fairfax, his wife, was 49 years old and a dentist.
- Their teenage son called police to report the shooting shortly after midnight.
- The couple had separated in 2024 and filed for divorce in 2023 but were still living in the same house with their children.
- Fairfax was recently served court papers related to their divorce, which police say may have triggered the event.
- Police said Cerina had installed home cameras and footage disproved Fairfax’s earlier claim that she assaulted him.
- Fairfax faced sexual assault allegations starting in 2019 but denied the claims and completed his term in office.
- Virginia officials expressed shock and condolences for the family, especially the two children.
