Horrible and tragic if this is what happened. Awaiting further details, but…sounds really bad. I’ll be updating this post as more information comes available. Justin Fairfax, of course, served as the 41st Lt. Governor of Virginia, from 2018 to 2022, and came very close to becoming governor during Gov. Ralph Northam’s “Blackface” scandal, but then he was accused of sexual assault, rape, etc. and his political career basically came to an end.
UPDATE 5:59 pm: Also, excellent statement by VA Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell, who centers Cerina Fairfax, the fact that her life “was cut tragically short” by “an act of unconscionable violence” – one that was inexcusable – and encouraging people in a relationship in which they feel unsafe to seek help at the National Domestic Violence Hotline, etc.
UPDATE 4:55 pm: Excellent statements by fmr. Rep. Tom Perriello, Sharnelle Hamlin of the Virginia Victim Assistance Network, VA State Senator Russet Perry, and Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA08), all of whom center Dr. Cerina Fairfax – and her children – as opposed to her murderer.
UPDATE 1:34 pm:
Governor Spanberger Statement on Deaths of Dr. Cerina Wanzer Fairfax and Former Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax
RICHMOND, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement on the deaths of Dr. Cerina Wanzer Fairfax and former Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragedy that occurred last night. I am praying for the Fairfax children, and I ask my fellow Virginians to hold them in their hearts and prayers.
“The murder of Dr. Cerina Fairfax in an apparent murder-suicide is a horrific tragedy. Dr. Fairfax was a devoted mother, beloved dentist in the Fairfax County community, and engaged supporter of her alma mater, Virginia Commonwealth University. My prayers are with the Wanzer and Fairfax families as they mourn their own loss, endeavor to make sense of this tragedy, and comfort the Fairfax children.
“This tragedy reminds us that domestic violence can occur in any family and in any place. Resources are available to support our neighbors experiencing domestic violence and facing mental health crises.”
RESOURCES
The Virginia Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline is a free, confidential resource that is available 24/7. Virginians can chat online with a trained advocate, text an advocate at 804-793-9999, or speak on the phone with an advocate at 1-800-838-8238.
For information about domestic violence shelters, sexual assault crisis centers, and advocacy programs across the Commonwealth of Virginia, click here. To find a local Virginia Department of Social Services agency, click here.
The Virginia Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 at 9-8-8.
UPDATE 11:21 am:
WARNER & KAINE STATEMENT ON DEATHS OF CERINA AND JUSTIN FAIRFAX
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) released the following statement regarding the deaths of Cerina and Justin Fairfax:
“We are keeping Cerina and Justin Fairfax’s family—especially their two children—in our prayers as we all process this shocking and horrifying news. We urge any Virginians impacted by domestic violence to call the police or the National Domestic Violence Hotline for support.”
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233.
UPDATE 10:55 am: Here’s a link to their divorce case.
UPDATE 10:51 am:
UPDATE 10:16 am: Statement from VA Speaker Don Scott.
STATEMENT FROM SPEAKER DON SCOTT
RICHMOND, VA — In response to deeply disturbing reports involving former Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax, Speaker Don Scott issued the following statement:
“I am 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.
“There are moments when words fall short – and this is one of them. All we can do is pray, hold our loved ones closer, and grieve alongside those who are hurting today.”
UPDATE 10:10 am: See below for video of the Fairfax County Police press conference earlier this morning.
UPDATE 9:28 am:
UPDATE 9:08 am – Confirmed.
Justin Fairfax, a former lieutenant governor of Virginia, and his wife, Cerina Fairfax, were found dead in a murder-suicide at their home in Annandale, Va., on Thursday morning, according to the county police.
The Fairfax County police chief said that Mr. Fairfax, 47, shot his wife and then himself.
Ugh – horrendous.
UPDATED 9:01 am – Statement from Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi
RICHMOND, VA — Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi released the following statement this morning:
Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi Responds to the Tragic News Regarding Cerina Fairfax and Former Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax
“Vrginia 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.”
