Details from a distressing 911 call are emerging, highlighting the chaotic moments post the alleged murder-suicide involving former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax and his wife, Cerina, at their Annandale home.
The tragic events unfolded early Thursday morning in their upscale $1 million residence, where authorities suspect Fairfax shot his wife before taking his own life. The audio recording acquired by the Daily Mail indicates that their 16-year-old son, Cameron, was in a state of panic after finding Cerina lying on the floor.
Initially, Cameron thought his father might have stabbed his mother, but later described noticing holes in her shirt, indicating she had been shot. He expressed uncertainty about his father’s whereabouts during the call.
Upon arrival, first responders discovered Cerina unconscious and bleeding in the home’s unfinished basement, with a medic declaring that her condition appeared grave.
Authorities later found Justin Fairfax, age 47, in a bedroom with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The couple’s two children, Cameron and 14-year-old Carys, were present but physically unharmed, and relatives are providing support during this difficult time.
Fairfax County Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances preceding this tragic event, emphasizing that there is no ongoing public danger. Autopsies are awaited to confirm the official causes of death.
The son of former Virginia Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax called 911 after Justin allegedly shot his wife and then himself. https://t.co/ksDx8eVPQr
🔉: Broadcastify pic.twitter.com/UYkb12zC5s
— TMZ (@TMZ) April 16, 2026
As reported by Police Chief Kevin Davis, the couple’s marriage lasted 20 years, albeit amid what was described as a “complicated or messy divorce.” He noted the situation is tragic, especially for the children who witnessed such a horrific event.
Last year, Cerina Fairfax, age 49, initiated divorce proceedings, with court appearances set for the following week. Authorities indicate that Justin Fairfax had recently received legal paperwork concerning the divorce, which may have triggered the violent incident.
Despite their separation, the couple had been sharing the same home and were believed to have separate bedrooms since June 2024. Past incidents were also noted, with police responding to the residence in January regarding allegations made by Justin, which were later deemed unfounded.
Justin Fairfax served as Virginia’s lieutenant governor from 2018 to 2022 and faced severe scrutiny during his gubernatorial campaign in 2021 due to sexual assault allegations, which he denied. Despite the tumultuous political landscape, Cerina Fairfax stood by him during those allegations.
Cerina was recognized for her professional excellence in dentistry, receiving accolades from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2015. Virginia’s Democratic senators expressed their condolences, stating their prayers are with the family, particularly the children, during this devastating time.
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