Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, wife dead in apparent murder-suicide

Published: Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 1:28 pm

Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, Wife Dead in Apparent Murder-Suicide

Annandale, Virginia – Former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax and his wife, Cerina Fairfax, were found dead in their home early Thursday morning in an apparent murder-suicide, according to police. Fairfax County police responded to a 911 call placed just after midnight by the couple's teenage son, who reported his mother may have been stabbed.

Upon arrival, officers discovered Cerina Fairfax deceased in the basement with multiple gunshot wounds. Justin Fairfax was later found upstairs in the primary bedroom with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Both of the couple's teenage children were present in the home at the time of the incident.

Preliminary investigations indicate that Justin Fairfax shot his wife before taking his own life. Authorities have confirmed the couple was in the early stages of divorce proceedings. Fairfax had recently been served with divorce-related paperwork. Prior to the incident, the couple had been living together but were separated, residing in different bedrooms.

In January, Fairfax had contacted police alleging his wife had assaulted him. However, after reviewing footage from cameras installed by Cerina Fairfax, police determined the alleged assault had not occurred.

Justin Fairfax served as the 41st Lieutenant Governor of Virginia from 2018 to 2022. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to be released as they become available.

BNN's Perspective: This tragic event underscores the devastating consequences of domestic disputes and the complexities of relationships. While the circumstances surrounding this incident are still under investigation, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of seeking help and support during times of marital strain. The loss of life is a profound tragedy, and our thoughts are with the family and community affected by this devastating event.

Keywords: Justin Fairfax, Cerina Fairfax, murder-suicide, Virginia, Lieutenant Governor, divorce, domestic violence, Annandale, police investigation, gunshot wounds, family tragedy

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