Breaking News: Virginia Senator Mark Warner is among the many leaders struggling to find words after former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax shot and killed his wife, Dr. Cerina Fairfax, before taking his own life at their Annandale home. The couple's two teenage children were in the home. There are no words adequate to this moment.
⚠️ If you or someone you know
needs help:
📞 Call or text 988
— Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
📞 1-800-799-7233
— National Domestic Violence Hotline
You are not alone.
What Happened
Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, 47, and his wife, Cerina Fairfax, 49, were found dead in their home in Annandale after their son called 911 shortly after midnight. The couple appeared to be going through a divorce but still living in the same house with their two teenage children, who were home when the deaths occurred.
Who Dr. Cerina Fairfax Was
Dr. Cerina Fairfax ran a family dentistry practice in Fairfax County. After graduating from Duke University, she attended Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, which honored her in 2015 as its most outstanding alumna of the last decade.
She was described as a devoted mother, an avid reader who liked to travel, practice yoga, go on trail runs with her dogs, and spend time with her family. She was 49 years old. She deserved so much more than the end she received.
Senator Warner's Response
"We are keeping Cerina and Justin Fairfax's family — especially their two children — in our prayers as we all process this shocking and horrifying news," Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine said in a joint statement. They also urged Virginians impacted by domestic violence to call the police or the National Domestic Violence Hotline for support.
Virginia Leaders Center Dr. Cerina Fairfax
Governor Spanberger wrote: "The murder of Dr. Cerina Fairfax is a horrific tragedy. Dr. Fairfax was a devoted mother and beloved dentist. This tragedy reminds us that domestic violence can occur in any family and in any place."
Virginia House Speaker Don Scott said: "I am heartbroken. There are moments when words fall short — and this is one of them."
Why It Matters
Domestic violence does not always look like what we expect. It happens in suburban homes, among people with political careers and dental practices and university degrees. No family is immune. No community is immune.
The two children who were in that house will carry this for the rest of their lives. Senator Warner's grief is real. Virginia's grief is real. And so is the grief of everyone who knew Dr. Cerina Fairfax.
Crisis Resources
📞 988 — Suicide &
Crisis Lifeline (call or text)
📞 1-800-799-7233 —
National Domestic Violence Hotline
💬 Online chat: 988lifeline.org
Conclusion
Senator Warner said Virginia is trying to make sense of something that makes no sense. He is right. There is no framework that makes a mother's murder comprehensible.
Dr. Cerina Fairfax deserved to live. Her children deserved to have their mother. That is what matters most today.
Our thoughts are with Dr. Cerina Fairfax's children, family, and all who loved her.Read More...
FAQ
Q1: What happened at the
Fairfax home in Annandale?
Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, 47,
shot and killed his wife Dr. Cerina Fairfax,
49, before taking his own life. Their son
called 911 after midnight. Their two teenage
children were in the home and unharmed.
Q2: Who was Dr. Cerina Fairfax?
Dr. Cerina Fairfax was a 49-year-old dentist,
devoted mother, and VCU School of Dentistry's
most outstanding alumna of the last decade.
She was described as a lover of reading,
travel, yoga, and trail running.
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