Flags at half mast for Dr. Cerina Fairfax | Domestic homicide victim, Annandale Virginia

From a Fairfax County Police report: Detectives from our Major Crimes Bureau are investigating a domestic-related murder-suicide after two people were found deceased inside an Annandale home early Thursday morning. On April 16 2026, at approximately 12:12 a.m., officers responded to a home in the 8100 block of Guinevere Drive in Annandale. Upon arrival, officers located Cerina Fairfax, 49, and Justin Fairfax, 47, both of Annandale, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds inside the home. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue personnel pronounced both deceased at the scene. Preliminarily, detectives believe Justin shot his wife, Cerina, before shooting himself. Cartridge casings and a firearm were recovered at the scene. Two teenage children were located inside the home unharmed. Victim specialists from our Major Crimes Bureau’s Victim Services Division have been assigned to ensure the family is receiving appropriate resources and assistance.

Governor Spanberger of Virginia made the following proclamation in her honor and memory. 

Governor’s Flag Order in Memory and Respect of Dr. Cerina Wanzer Fairfax, Victims of Domestic Violence -- "In accordance with the authority vested in me as Governor, I hereby order that the flags of the United States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia be flown at half-staff on all state and local buildings and grounds in the Commonwealth of Virginia in memory and honor of Dr. Cerina Wanzer Fairfax and in memory and honor of all victims of domestic violence.

We remember Dr. Cerina Fairfax’s life and her devotion to others, her patients, and most especially, her children. We honor her educational achievements, professional success, service to our Commonwealth, and her deep love for her family. We honor Dr. Cerina Fairfax by drawing attention to the reality that women in any community or circumstance may face domestic violence, and we lower the flags in memory of her and all women whose lives have been lost to domestic violence.  

With a solemn commitment to helping those who face domestic violence or the threat of domestic violence, I hereby order that the flags shall be lowered at sunrise on Monday, May 4, 2026, and remain at half-staff until sunset. Ordered on this, the 1st day of May 2026.

Sincerely, Abigail D. Spanberger"

Patients and colleagues remember Dr. Cerina Fairfax as a devoted mother, a caring dentist and the rock at the center of her family, after police say she was killed by her estranged husband, former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax. More information is here:

These flags were in front of a fire station not far from Dr. Fairfax's home.