The murder-suicide at the home of former Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax and his estranged wife Cerina Fairfax has revealed more details over time. Divorce papers obtained by TMZ and statements from Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis are giving a clearer picture of their relationship in the months before the incident.
Cerina Fairfax filed for divorce on July 18, 2025, citing their separation on June 1, 2024, even though they were still living in the same house. The divorce papers stated that there was 'no expectation or hope of reconciliation.'
Cerina Fairfax claimed that Justin Fairfax did not pay 50 percent of their children's private school fees as required and stopped paying for extracurricular activities, the mortgage, and his share of household expenses. She also stated that she was the only one financially supporting the family and was the main caretaker of the children.
Police Chief Kevin Davis described the situation as a domestic dispute linked to a 'complicated or messy divorce.' He stated that Justin Fairfax had received legal papers about an upcoming court date related to the divorce shortly before the shooting.
On the night of April 16, the couple's teenage son called 911, and police found Justin Fairfax and Cerina Fairfax dead. Police Chief Kevin Davis said Justin shot Cerina multiple times before going to another part of the house and shooting himself.
