A once-prominent figure in Virginia politics is dead following a domestic tragedy in Northern Virginia. Former Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax killed his wife, Sebrina Fairfax, before taking his own life early Thursday morning, according to law enforcement.
The incident occurred around midnight at the family’s residence in Fairfax County. Police confirmed that the couple’s two teenage children were inside the home at the time of the shooting.
The Incident
Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis reported that the former Lieutenant Governor shot his wife several times in the basement of the home, then went upstairs to the primary bedroom where he shot and killed himself. The couple’s son placed the 911 call to report the incident. Responding officers discovered both Sebrina and Justin Fairfax deceased at the scene.
A History of Domestic Turmoil
Chief Davis noted that the couple was in the midst of “messy” divorce proceedings and were living in separate bedrooms within the same house.
“From what I understand at this early stage, former Lieutenant Governor Fairfax was recently served some paperwork associated with an upcoming court proceeding. That apparently led to this incident last night,” Davis said during a press briefing.
The only other time Davis is aware that police were summoned to the Fairfax couple’s home was January 2026. Justin Fairfax made the call alleging he had been assaulted by his wife. However, Ms. Fairfax had installed numerous cameras, Davis explained, and police reviewed the footage and determined, “The alleged assault never occurred.”
No arrests were made because the allegation was “proven to be untrue.”
A “Fall from Grace”
Justin Fairfax served as Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor from 2018 to 2022 under Governor Ralph Northam. Chief Davis said it is fair to say the former lieutenant governor was once considered a “rising star” in Virginia politics and that this was a high-profile couple.
“Everybody’s shocked. We’re shocked,” said Davis.
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