Beloved Dentist Cerina Fairfax Killed by Ex-Lieutenant Governor

Patients and community mourn the loss of a devoted mother and caring practitioner.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:33pm

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An extreme close-up of a dental tool, such as a pair of forceps or a dental mirror, sharply lit by a harsh flash against a dark background, conveying a sense of the stark, gritty reality of this crime.The tragic death of a beloved dentist and community leader exposes the hidden dangers of domestic violence.Fairfax Today

Cerina Fairfax, a 49-year-old dentist in Fairfax, Virginia, was killed by her estranged husband, former state Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax. Cerina was remembered by patients, colleagues, and community leaders as a loving mother, dedicated professional, and pillar of the local dental community.

Why it matters

The tragic death of Dr. Fairfax has shaken the Fairfax community and raised concerns about domestic violence, the challenges of high-profile divorces, and the need for greater mental health support. As a respected dentist and community leader, her loss is deeply felt.

The details

Police say Cerina Fairfax was killed by her estranged husband, Justin Fairfax, in their shared home. The couple had been going through a contentious divorce, and a judge had recently ordered Justin to move out by the end of April due to the 'extremely high' tensions in the household. Cerina was described as the 'undisputed primary caregiver' for their two teenage children, who were home at the time of the incident.

  • Cerina and Justin Fairfax met as undergraduates at Duke University and married in 2006.
  • Justin Fairfax unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for attorney general in 2013, then won the race for lieutenant governor in 2017.
  • Two women came forward in 2019 accusing Justin Fairfax of sexually assaulting them years earlier, before he and Cerina were married.
  • Justin Fairfax left office at the end of his term in 2022, following an unsuccessful run for governor.
  • Cerina and Justin Fairfax separated nearly two years ago, but were still living in the same house with their children.

The players

Cerina Fairfax

A 49-year-old dentist who ran a thriving family dentistry practice in Fairfax, Virginia. She was remembered as a devoted mother, caring practitioner, and pillar of the local community.

Justin Fairfax

The former lieutenant governor of Virginia and estranged husband of Cerina Fairfax. He was accused of sexually assaulting two women before his marriage to Cerina, which he denied.

Jennifer McClellan

A Virginia state representative who knew Cerina Fairfax through her husband's campaign and time in office.

Terron Sims II

A friend and patient of Cerina Fairfax who remembered her as a quiet and caring friend, whose dentistry was an expression of love and compassion.

Jeffrey Johnson

The interim dean of the Virginia Commonwealth School of Dentistry, where Cerina Fairfax was recognized as an Outstanding Graduate.

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What they’re saying

“Cerina Fairfax was a loving and dedicated mother and the rock at the center of her large family.”

— Jennifer McClellan, Virginia State Representative

“It was an expression of love and compassion. It was her way of service to others.”

— Terron Sims II, Friend and Patient

“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.”

— Jeffrey Johnson, Interim Dean, Virginia Commonwealth School of Dentistry

What’s next

The judge overseeing the Fairfax divorce had ordered Justin Fairfax to move out of the shared home by the end of April, but the tragic incident occurred before that deadline.

The takeaway

The death of Dr. Cerina Fairfax is a devastating loss for her family, patients, and the broader Fairfax community. Her caring spirit and dedication to her profession will be deeply missed, and this tragedy highlights the need for greater support and resources to address domestic violence and mental health challenges, especially among high-profile individuals and families.