Patients and colleagues in Virginia’s dental community are mourning Dr. Cerina Fairfax, a 49-year-old dentist police say was killed by her estranged husband in their Annandale home early Thursday. Police believe former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax fatally shot his wife before killing himself.
Fairfax’s death adds to the nation’s toll of domestic violence and leaves her two teenage children without their mother, whom a court described as their emotional anchor and ‘port in a storm.‘
A Celebrated Professional
Fairfax, 49, ran a thriving family dentistry practice in the nearby city of Fairfax. She was an avid reader who enjoyed travel, yoga, and trail running with her Vizsla-breed dogs, according to a profile on her practice website.
In 2015, she was recognized as the Outstanding Graduate of the Last Decade by the Virginia Commonwealth School of Dentistry.
Dr. Jeffrey Johnson, interim dean of the dental school, said her loss is deeply felt by the institution.
“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 said. “I know she was a mentor, role model, and friend to many in our school.”
Leaders in Virginia’s dental community praised her commitment to patient care and her contributions to the profession.
Ryan Dunn, CEO of the Virginia Dental Association, said Fairfax was “a beloved practitioner in her community” who “loved giving back through volunteer work and contributions to local charities focused on helping those in need.”
Terron Sims II, a patient and friend, told WUSA-TV that dentistry was central to how Fairfax expressed her values.
“It was an expression of love and compassion,” Sims said. “It was her way of service to others.”
Devoted to Her Children
Fairfax was known above all as a devoted mother to her two teenage children. She and Justin Fairfax met as undergraduates at Duke University and married in 2006.
Virginia Rep. Jennifer McClellan, who knew Fairfax through her husband’s political career, said the 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 wrote in a statement.
Cerina Fairfax said in court filings that she and Justin Fairfax separated nearly two years ago. However, they continued living in the same house with their children while their divorce proceeded.
A judge overseeing the case had ordered Justin Fairfax to move out of the house by the end of April, noting that “it is clear tensions in the Fairfax home have been extremely high for an extended period of time.”
Judge Timothy McEvoy wrote that Cerina “has been the undisputed primary caregiver to the children in all aspects of their lives” and had been “a port in a storm for her children.”
“Their remarkable resilience and early success in life is down to what can best be described as Mother’s grit,” the judge wrote.
Amy Spain, Cerina Fairfax’s attorney, said her client’s death “leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of all who knew and loved her.”
“Above all else, Cerina was a devoted mother to her beautiful children, who were the very center of her world,” Spain said. “She embodied the true meaning of motherhood through her unconditional and unwavering devotion to her children, providing a constant source of love, protection, and guidance.”
A Former Lieutenant Governor
Justin Fairfax served as Virginia’s lieutenant governor from 2017 to 2022. He ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for attorney general in 2013 and for governor in 2021. During his gubernatorial campaign, two women came forward with allegations that he had sexually assaulted them years before his marriage to Cerina. Fairfax denied the allegations and was not charged with any crime.
If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org.