Patients of Dr. Cerina Fairfax dropped off flowers outside her closed dental office in Annandale, Virginia, remembering her as a compassionate healthcare provider who took time to listen to their concerns.
One patient told News4 they had never experienced a provider who would speak with them for an hour about everything, adding, “From my perspective, she was just a wonderful human being.”
Dr. Cerina Fairfax was fatally shot by her husband, former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, in their home on April 16, 2026, before he turned the gun on himself, according to Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis. The incident occurred around midnight in the basement of their residence, with both teenage children present in the home at the time.
Their son called 911 after hearing what he believed was his mother being stabbed, police said. Upon arrival, officers found bullet casings near Dr. Fairfax’s body and later discovered Justin Fairfax upstairs with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Police described the event as happening spontaneously, with no prolonged confrontation. Chief Davis stated there was an “ongoing domestic dispute surrounding a complicated, messy divorce” between the couple, who had been separated but still living in the same house, residing in separate bedrooms.
Dr. Cerina Fairfax had filed for divorce in July 2025, citing her husband’s increasing alcoholism and self-isolation following unresolved sexual abuse allegations from 2019, for which he was never charged. Court records showed she told a judge that Justin would only emerge from isolation to smoke cigarettes and obtain alcohol, with piles of cigarette butts documented outside their home.
Friends and patients remembered Dr. Fairfax as bright, caring, and deeply committed to her dental practice on Lee Highway. Her approach to patient care was frequently highlighted as exceptional, with individuals noting her willingness to engage in lengthy, meaningful conversations during appointments.
The Fairfaxes’ two teenage children, who were home during the shooting, are now in the care of their grandparents as investigators continue to examine evidence, including surveillance footage from cameras Dr. Fairfax had installed prior to a January 2026 domestic incident that resulted in no charges.
Family law attorney Joey Kirchgessner, who practices in Virginia but was not involved in the case, noted that disputes over separation dates are common in divorces involving significant assets, explaining that fluctuations in retirement account values like 401(k)s can significantly impact financial settlements depending on the valuation date used.
In Virginia, couples seeking divorce must demonstrate 12 months of separation before a court can grant a final decree, a requirement that became a point of contention in the Fairfax case due to disagreements over when their separation officially began.
The case was scheduled to proceed in court the week following the tragedy, though ongoing disputes over finances and separation timelines had already complicated proceedings.
As of now, the investigation remains active, with authorities reviewing digital evidence, witness statements, and forensic data to reconstruct the events leading up to the murder-suicide. No further details have been released regarding potential charges or legal outcomes, as the primary subjects are deceased.
Community members continue to honor Dr. Cerina Fairfax’s legacy through memorials at her office and personal reflections on her kindness and professional dedication. Her patients emphasize that her impact extended beyond dental care, touching lives through her empathy and attentiveness.
For updates on the investigation, the public is advised to monitor official statements from the Fairfax County Police Department.
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