A former deputy governor of Virginia and his wife were found dead at their home on Thursday morning, in what authorities described as a murder-suicide. Investigators say Justin Fairfax shot his wife multiple times before turning the gun on himself at their Annandale home. Both of the couple's teenage children were at home when the incident occurred.
Fairfax, the second black person elected to statewide office in Virginia, served as lieutenant governor from 2018 to 2022. His tenure was overshadowed by two allegations of sexual assault, accusations he denied. County police chief Kevin Davis noted that the incident appeared to stem from marital problems, though the investigation remained ongoing.
This has been an ongoing domestic dispute surrounding what seems to be a complicated or messy divorce, Davis said during a briefing on Thursday morning. Fairfax County authorities responded to an emergency call from the former deputy governor's son just after midnight local time, and the caller said he thought his mother had been stabbed.
Investigators found bullet casings near Cerina Fairfax's body and noted that there was no prolonged confrontation before the shooting. Davis indicated, I think it all kind of happened at once; there wasn't a pause. It all happened pretty spontaneously.
The couple had been living together but were separated. This is certainly a fall from grace for a relatively high-profile family that seemingly had a lot of things going for them, Davis stated, emphasizing the tragedy for their children who lost both parents in such circumstances.
Political leaders expressed shock over the deaths and sympathy for the family. Former Governor Ralph Northam stated, Pam and I are devastated by this heartbreaking news. I had the privilege of getting to know the Fairfaxes while our families served together.
Fairfax ran for Virginia governor in 2021, but lost in the primary election. This ongoing situation has left the community shocked and mourning alongside the Fairfaxes' children.
Fairfax, the second black person elected to statewide office in Virginia, served as lieutenant governor from 2018 to 2022. His tenure was overshadowed by two allegations of sexual assault, accusations he denied. County police chief Kevin Davis noted that the incident appeared to stem from marital problems, though the investigation remained ongoing.
This has been an ongoing domestic dispute surrounding what seems to be a complicated or messy divorce, Davis said during a briefing on Thursday morning. Fairfax County authorities responded to an emergency call from the former deputy governor's son just after midnight local time, and the caller said he thought his mother had been stabbed.
Investigators found bullet casings near Cerina Fairfax's body and noted that there was no prolonged confrontation before the shooting. Davis indicated, I think it all kind of happened at once; there wasn't a pause. It all happened pretty spontaneously.
The couple had been living together but were separated. This is certainly a fall from grace for a relatively high-profile family that seemingly had a lot of things going for them, Davis stated, emphasizing the tragedy for their children who lost both parents in such circumstances.
Political leaders expressed shock over the deaths and sympathy for the family. Former Governor Ralph Northam stated, Pam and I are devastated by this heartbreaking news. I had the privilege of getting to know the Fairfaxes while our families served together.
Fairfax ran for Virginia governor in 2021, but lost in the primary election. This ongoing situation has left the community shocked and mourning alongside the Fairfaxes' children.
