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Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax kills his wife and then himself, police say

Police say the deaths stemmed from a divorce dispute, and the couple’s two children were home when the shootings occurred.

  • On Thursday, April 16, 2026, former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax fatally shot his wife, Cerina Fairfax, in their Annandale home before killing himself. Police discovered both bodies shortly after midnight following a 911 call.
  • Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis stated the tragedy stemmed from a domestic dispute tied to the couple's "complicated or messy divorce." Justin had recently been served court paperwork for an upcoming proceeding.
  • Cameron and Carys, the couple's teenage children, were present but unharmed, with Cameron placing the 911 call. Davis noted that home camera footage proved Justin's January allegation that Cerina assaulted him was untrue.
  • Victim services staff are providing urgent care and support to the children, whose well-being remains a primary concern. The Fairfax County Police Department continues an active criminal investigation into the incident.
  • Despite serving as lieutenant governor from 2018 to 2022, Justin's career was marked by denied 2019 sexual assault allegations. Observers noted irony in his past advocacy for "red flag" gun laws following the murder-suicide.
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Former rising star of the Dem, he was in the storm because of allegations of sexual harassment.

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The couple was involved in a divorce but still lived together in the house with their children.

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The National Desk broke the news on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
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