Particle.news

Police Say Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax Killed Wife, Then Himself at Home

Police cite a contentious divorce, with newly served court papers seen as a likely factor.

Overview

  • Fairfax County police, who responded shortly after midnight Thursday, said Justin Fairfax shot his wife, Cerina, then killed himself inside their Annandale home.
  • The couple’s two teenagers were in the house, and police said their son called 911 as family members and victim-services staff now care for both children.
  • Chief Kevin Davis said Cerina was shot several times in the basement, then Fairfax went to the primary bedroom and used the same firearm to take his own life.
  • Officers said Fairfax had been recently served divorce-related court papers, which they are reviewing as a possible trigger as detectives continue the investigation.
  • Detectives are analyzing footage from cameras installed during the divorce; police said those videos previously disproved a January claim by Fairfax that his wife assaulted him, and they are reviewing new footage from the night.