Tragedy Strikes Former Virginia Lt. Governor's Family: Justin Fairfax Kills Wife, Then Himself Authorities confirm a shocking domestic incident at the Northern Virginia home of former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax, who is alleged to have fatally shot his wife, Dr. Cerina Fairfax, before taking his own life. The couple's teenage children were present in the home during the horrific events. A devastating act of violence has shattered the lives of a prominent Virginia family, with authorities confirming that former Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax is believed to have shot and killed his wife, Dr. Cerina Fairfax, before ending his own life within their Northern Virginia residence. The grim discovery was made by law enforcement officials early Thursday morning after the couple's teenage son placed a critical 911 call shortly after midnight. Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis, addressing the media, characterized the event as deeply tragic, particularly for a family that had long held a high public profile. The sequence of events, as outlined by Chief Davis, paints a harrowing picture. The initial fatal incident is reported to have occurred in a partially finished basement area of the home, where Justin Fairfax allegedly fired multiple shots at his wife. Subsequently, he is said to have ascended to the primary bedroom, where he used the same firearm to commit suicide. The couple's two teenage children were tragically present in the home at the time of the shootings. While they were physically unharmed, Chief Davis emphasized the profound trauma they are likely experiencing, describing the situation as 'extra tragic' due to their witnessing of the violence. Information revealed during the investigation indicates that the couple was in the midst of divorce proceedings. Court documents confirm that Justin Fairfax had recently been served with paperwork pertaining to an upcoming hearing in their legal separation. Adding another layer of distress to the case, Chief Davis disclosed that in January of this year, Justin Fairfax had contacted the police to report an alleged assault by his wife. However, surveillance footage from multiple cameras installed within the home by Dr. Cerina Fairfax reportedly contradicted his account, showing that the alleged assault did not transpire. No arrests were made in connection with that earlier incident. Victim services are now working closely with the surviving relatives, specifically to provide support to the children who have lost both parents in such horrific circumstances. Justin Fairfax, who was once considered a rising political star within Virginia and had vied for the governorship as a Democrat, served as the state's lieutenant governor from 2018 to 2022. This story was originally reported by a Scripps News Group station in Richmond, Virginia. For those experiencing distress or contemplating suicide, immediate assistance is available through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 in the United States, or via webchat at 988lifeline.org