Former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Kills Wife and Himself Amid Divorce Dispute

Former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax killed his wife and then himself inside their home in Annandale, Virginia, according to police statements released Thursday morning. Police said the couple's teenage children were present in the home when the shootings occurred. One of the children called 911.

Fairfax had recently been involved in ongoing divorce proceedings. The former lieutenant governor, aged 47, served from 2018 to 2022. His tenure was marked by controversy after two women accused him of sexual assault years earlier, allegations he denied, stating the encounters were consensual.

Fairfax called for an FBI investigation at the time and remained in office despite calls for his resignation. The police investigation is in its preliminary stages, with authorities continuing to gather information about the circumstances leading to the fatal shootings.

The incident has drawn attention due to Fairfax's public profile and the ongoing legal and personal challenges he faced prior to the event.

“Former Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax shot and killed his wife inside of their home and then shot and killed himself," said police at a news conference Thursday morning. The police continue to investigate the case, and no further details have been released regarding the motive beyond the divorce dispute or the timeline of events leading up to the incident.”