ANNANDALE, Va. — Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax and his wife, Dr. Cerina Fairfax, were found dead in their home early Thursday in what police say was an apparent murder-suicide.
Fairfax County police said preliminary findings indicate that Justin Fairfax fatally shot his wife before taking his own life. Authorities responded to the home shortly after midnight after receiving a 911 call from the couple’s teenage son.
Officials described the incident as domestic-related and said the couple had been going through a divorce at the time.
Details of the Incident
Police said both victims were found inside the family’s Annandale residence. No other injuries were reported, though the couple’s children were present in the home at the time of the shooting.
Authorities have not released additional details about the events leading up to the shooting, but officials indicated the investigation is ongoing.
Background on Fairfax
Justin Fairfax, 47, served as Virginia’s lieutenant governor from 2018 to 2022. He was elected in 2017 and became one of the first Black officials to hold statewide office in Virginia.
During his time in office, Fairfax faced sexual assault allegations in 2019, which he denied. He later ran unsuccessfully for governor in 2021.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have not indicated any additional suspects and said the case remains under investigation.
Officials also emphasized that the findings are preliminary and subject to change as more evidence is reviewed.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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