Former Virginia lieutenant governor Justin Fairfax and his estranged wife, Cerina Fairfax, were found dead in April 2026 following an apparent murder-suicide.
“Former lieutenant governor Justin Fairfax shot and killed his wife inside their home, and then shot and killed himself,” Chief Kevin Davis shared in a press conference following the incident. “This has been an ongoing domestic dispute surrounding what seems to be a complicated or messy divorce. So far what we know is what you know. There seems to be divorce proceedings that have been ongoing.”
Davis continued, “From what I understand at this early stage, [Justin] was recently served some paperwork associated with an upcoming court proceeding. That apparently led to the incident last night.”
Davis noted that Justin shot Cerina “several times” before shooting himself in a separate room.
Justin Fairfax Katherine Frey/The Washington Post via Getty Images
Justin had previously called police over an alleged domestic violence altercation in January 2026, claiming that Cerina had physically assaulted him. Davis said in his April 2026 press conference that these claims were “proven to be untrue” after cameras in the home were reviewed. No arrests were made at the time.
Justin and Cerina wed in 2006. They shared two kids, son Cameron and daughter Carys.
“Both of their children, teenagers … were in the house when it happened,” Davis continued. “That’s horrible news for the family, certainly a traumatic event for those children to live through.”
Keep scrolling for everything to know about Justin and Cerina’s kids:
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
Former Virginia lieutenant governor Justin Fairfax and his estranged wife, Cerina Fairfax, died in an apparent murder-suicide. News broke in April 2026 that Justin shot Cerina “several times” inside their home. He allegedly shot himself moments later in a different part of the property. “This has been an ongoing domestic dispute surrounding what seems to […]
Who Was Justin Fairfax?
Prior to his death, Justin Fairfax was the lieutenant governor of Virginia from 2018 to 2022. During his tenure, multiple women accused him of sexual assault. Justin publicly denied the allegations.
How Long Were Justin and Cerina Fairfax Married?
Justin and Cerina Fairfax got married in June 2006 at the Netherlands Carillon Gardens in Arlington, Virginia.
“We held the reception at Top of the Town. It was a blazing hot, but truly perfect day!” Justin shared in a 2017 Facebook post. “We met 20 years ago at Duke University, and there has been a lot of laughter, love, smiling, and amazement ever since.”
Law enforcement secure a crime scene outside the home of former Virginia Lt Gov Justin Fairfax on April 16, 2026 in Annandale, Virginia. Alex Wong/Getty Images
Did Justin and Cerina Fairfax Have Kids?
Throughout their marriage, Justin and Cerina Fairfax welcomed two kids. Their son, Cameron, was a high school basketball player, according to Justin’s X account. They also had a daughter named Carys.
Both kids were at home at the time of their parents’ deaths, according to police. It has been reported that Cameron called 911 after Justin shot and killed Cerina.