Cerina Wanzer Fairfax, the wife of former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax, worked as a dentist prior to her death on Thursday.
Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis told reporters Justin Fairfax, 47, fatally shot his wife, Cerina Wanzer Fairfax, 49, before turning the gun on himself. The couple had been going through a complicated or “messy divorce,” Davis said.
“I don’t think it’s a secret that there’s been divorce proceedings that have been ongoing,” the police chief said. “From what I understand, at this early stage, former Lieutenant Governor Fairfax was recently served some paperwork associated with an upcoming court proceeding. That apparently led to this incident last night.”
The couple’s two teenage children were inside the home when the shooting occurred, Davis said.
“So that’s horrible news for the family,” he said. “Certainly, a traumatic event for those children to live through.”
Fairfax shot his wife several times and then ran to a different part of the home, where he shot himself with the same firearm, Davis said.
Who Was Cerina Fairfax, the Virginia Lieutenant Governor’s Wife?
Cerina Wanzer Fairfax ran a dental practice in Fairfax, Virginia, where she also liked to spend time outdoors, practice yoga and “spend time with her wonderful family,” according to her website.
“Dr. Fairfax considers it an honor and a privilege to serve the community of Fairfax, Virginia,” the site reads. “She is committed to serving not only her patients but others as well through participation in community outreach programs, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, vocational training programs, and contributions to local charities and nonprofits intended to aid individuals and/or organizations helping those in need.”
The Duke University graduate earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2005 and was a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon, a dental honor society, according to her website.
Fairfax had also been affiliated with the American Dental Association, the Virginia Dental Association and the Northern Virginia Dental Society.
“Dr. Fairfax also recently received an Alumni Association Award from VCU as an Outstanding Graduate of the Last Decade,” her site reads. “In her spare time, Dr. Fairfax loves to read, run trails with her energetic Vizslas, practice Bikram yoga, travel, and spend time with her wonderful family.”
Who Was Justin Fairfax?
Justin Fairfax, a Democrat, served as the lieutenant governor of Virginia under Governor Ralph Northam from January 2018 through January 2022. The Pittsburgh native appeared poised to become governor after Northam was engulfed in scandal over a racist photo from a medical school yearbook; however, two women accused Fairfax of sexually assaulting them years earlier, which he repeatedly denied.
Fairfax also ran an unsuccessful bid for Virginia’s attorney general in 2013 and previously served as a U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.
Previous Disturbance
Officers had responded to the couple’s home in January after Justin Fairfax alleged his wife had assaulted him, Davis said, adding that the residence had several cameras inside.
“Apparently Mrs. Fairfax, at some point during these divorce proceedings, set up a lot of cameras inside the home,” the police chief said. “We reviewed those cameras, and we corroborated that the alleged assault never occurred. So, there was no arrest made.”
What We Know About Children Cameron and Carys
Davis said police found Justin and Cerina Fairfax dead after the couple’s teenage son called 911 just after midnight. Northam acknowledged the children in a statement released early Thursday.
“Pam and I are devastated by this heartbreaking news,” Northam said in a statement. “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.”
Justin and Cerina Fairfax had been married since 2006, after meeting at Duke University, local news station WJLA reported.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “988” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org.
