(The Center Square) – Former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax shot and killed his wife inside their Annandale home early Thursday, then took his own life, according to Fairfax County police.
Officers responded shortly after midnight to a home in the 8100 block of Guinivere Drive, where they found Fairfax, and his wife, Dr. Cerina Fairfax, dead.
Police Chief Kevin Davis said Fairfax shot his wife multiple times in the basement before going upstairs to a bedroom, where he shot himself with the same firearm.
Both were pronounced dead at the scene within minutes of a 911 call.
Two teenage children were inside the home at the time. One of them called 911, Davis said, adding that victim services are working with the family.
Investigators said the couple had been separated but were still living in the same home while going through divorce proceedings.
Fairfax had recently been served paperwork related to an upcoming court appearance, which police are reviewing as a possible factor in what happened.
Police confirmed one prior domestic-related call to the home in January. Fairfax reported that his wife had assaulted him, but officers reviewed video from cameras inside the home and determined the allegation was unfounded. No charges were filed.
Authorities said those cameras are now part of the investigation.
Police are continuing to process the scene and recover evidence, including the firearm used in the shooting.
Fairfax served as Virginia’s lieutenant governor from 2018 to 2022 under former Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam and later returned to private law practice.
Virginia Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi said the state “woke up this morning to devastating news,” adding that her thoughts are with the couple’s children and loved ones.
Former Attorney General Jason Miyares said his “heart goes out to the Fairfax family, particularly the children,” and encouraged those struggling to seek help.
House Republican Leader Terry Kilgore said, “There aren’t words to describe this tragedy. My prayers are with their children and their extended family.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
