Former Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax shot his wife multiple times, killing her, before taking his own life, Fairfax County Police said. Both of the couple’s teenage children were inside the home at the time of the incident.
Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis told reporters outside the home that Fairfax had recently been served paperwork connected to an upcoming court proceeding that appeared to precede the incident.
Davis also said police were called to the home earlier this year after Fairfax accused his wife of assault. He said cameras inside the home showed that no assault occurred at that time.
Former Gov. Ralph Northam, who served alongside Fairfax, said he was devastated by the news in a statement to Virginia Scope Thursday morning.
“Pam and I are devastated by this heartbreaking news,” he said. “I had the privilege of getting to know the Fairfaxes while our families served together. We are praying for Cameron, Carys, and the entire Fairfax family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi also released a statement.
“Virginia woke up this morning to the devastating news regarding Cerina Fairfax and former Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax. My thoughts are with their children, loved ones, and numerous friends. Along with so many in the Commonwealth, I am filled with sorrow; I await further insights from our law enforcement officials.”
House Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, said is “heartbroken by the deeply disturbing reports emerging this morning. This is an unspeakable tragedy – and our hearts are with the family, especially the children and loved ones whose lives have been forever changed by this devastating loss.”
Fairfax was once considered a rising figure in Democratic politics, widely seen as a potential statewide and national contender, until his political trajectory was derailed following sexual assault allegations made against him in 2019, which he denied.
This is a developing story.