In a tragic incident that has left the community in shock, former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax has been identified as the perpetrator in a murder-suicide that claimed the life of his wife, Cerina Fairfax, before his own. The Fairfax County Police have confirmed that the couple’s teenage son made the distressing 911 call.
The incident took place in the early hours of Thursday morning in Annandale, Virginia. Responding to the emergency call, authorities arrived at the residence on Guinevere Drive, specifically at 8106, owned by the former lieutenant governor. Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis provided a briefing, revealing that Justin Fairfax fatally shot his wife multiple times before turning the gun on himself.
At the time of the tragedy, both of the couple’s teenage children were present in the home. It was their son who courageously reached out to emergency services.
Although Justin and Cerina Fairfax were separated, they continued to reside together in the family home. Their relationship had become increasingly strained, with ongoing divorce proceedings marked by significant tension. As part of these proceedings, Cerina had installed surveillance cameras throughout the property. At one point, Justin accused Cerina of assault, claims that police were able to refute using footage from these cameras.
Both of the pair’s teenage children were home at the time of the murder-suicide. Their son was the one to call 911.
Justin and Cerina Fairfax were separated but living together at the home. They were in the midst of contentious divorce proceedings, where Cerina Fairfax had installed surveillance cameras around the home. Justin Fairfax had at one point accused Cerina of assaulting him, which Davis said police were able to disprove by reviewing the camera footage.
Justin Fairfax was lieutenant governor of Virginia under Gov. Ralph Northam. He was elected in 2019, but his time in office was marred by scandal and several sexual assault and rape allegations.
The address is a short walk from Camelot Elementary School.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, resources and support services are available: The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1 (800) 799-7233 or you can visit www.TheHotline.org or text “START” to 88788.
