The dental community and patients are honoring the memory of Dr. Cerina Fairfax, a dedicated mother and compassionate dentist who authorities say was fatally shot by her estranged husband, former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax.
Authorities discovered both bodies in their Annandale, Virginia home early Thursday morning in what police believe was a murder-suicide. Investigators say Justin Fairfax shot his wife before turning the gun on himself. The couple was in the midst of divorce proceedings, and a judge had ordered Justin Fairfax to vacate the residence by month’s end.
Dr. Cerina Fairfax, age 49, operated a successful family dental practice in Fairfax, Virginia. Her professional profile described her as someone who enjoyed reading, traveling, yoga, trail running with her Vizsla dogs, and “spend time with her wonderful family.”
Virginia Representative Jennifer McClellan, who became acquainted with Fairfax during her husband’s political career, said the couple’s two teenage children were “the people she cherished most.”
“Cerina Fairfax was a loving and dedicated mother and the rock at the center of her large family,” McClellan stated.
Patient and friend Terron Sims II described her as a gentle and compassionate person whose dental work went beyond mere profession.
“It was an expression of love and compassion,” Sims told WUSA-TV. “It was her way of service to others.”
In 2015, the Virginia Commonwealth School of Dentistry honored Dr. Fairfax as the Outstanding Graduate of the Last Decade. Interim Dean Dr. Jeffrey Johnson expressed how deeply her death has affected those who knew her.
“As a clinician and alumna, Dr. Fairfax embodied the ideals of our profession — dedication to her patients, commitment to growth, and a deep sense of purpose in her work each day,” Johnson stated. “I know she was a mentor, role model, and friend to many in our school.”
State dental community leaders also commended her achievements and patient care.
“In addition to being a beloved practitioner in her community, Dr. Fairfax loved giving back through volunteer work and contributions to local charities focused on helping those in need,” stated Ryan Dunn, CEO of the Virginia Dental Association. “As we remember Dr. Fairfax, we honor the impact she made and the connections she helped build within the VDA and her community.”
The couple first met as Duke University students and wed in 2006.
Justin Fairfax lost his bid for the Democratic attorney general nomination in 2013 but secured the lieutenant governor position in 2017. His political career derailed when two women publicly accused him of sexual assault from years before his marriage to Cerina. He completed his term in 2022 after an unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign.
Court documents show Cerina Fairfax filed that they had been separated for almost two years. However, they continued sharing the family home with their children, who police confirmed were present during the incident.
The divorce judge had mandated that Justin Fairfax relocate by April’s end, noting “it is clear tensions in the Fairfax home have been extremely high for an extended period of time.”
If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline is available by calling or texting 988. Online chat is also available at 988lifeline.org.
