Police say incident was linked to a bitter, ongoing divorce; couple’s teenage children were home during the shooting

Former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax has died after fatally shooting his wife, Cerina Fairfax, in a shocking domestic incident at their Annandale home, authorities confirmed on Thursday.

Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis said the violence stemmed from a prolonged and contentious marital breakdown, describing the couple’s situation as a “complicated, messy divorce.”

Police revealed they had previously responded to a domestic-related call at the residence in January, though no arrests or charges were made at the time. Despite being separated, the couple continued to live under the same roof.

Investigators believe the situation escalated shortly after Fairfax was served legal documents tied to an upcoming court hearing—an event authorities say may have precipitated the deadly confrontation.

The shooting occurred around midnight while the couple’s two teenage children were inside the house. Their eldest son alerted emergency services by calling 911.

Officials described the incident as deeply traumatic for the children, underscoring the devastating impact of domestic violence on families.

Justin Fairfax served as Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor from 2018 to 2022.