When Domestic Violence Becomes Lethal

Author: Kaitlyn Savage

On April 16, 2026, former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax shot and killed his wife, Dr. Cerina Fairfax, before taking his own life. This tragedy has drawn national attention, and advocates hope it underscores the severity and deadly reality of domestic violence.

Justin Fairfax served as Lieutenant Governor of Virginia from 2018 to 2022 under Governor Ralph Northam. Dr. Cerina Fairfax was a successful dentist who owned her own practice and built additional wealth through real estate and investments.

At the time of the incident, the couple was in the process of divorcing. According to major news outlets, Mr. Fairfax had recently been served divorce papers, and court proceedings were ongoing. Advocates know that one of the most dangerous periods for victims of abuse is when they attempt to leave a relationship.

This tragedy is a stark reminder that domestic violence can affect anyone. Intimate partner violence is rooted in an abuser’s desire for power and control. While external pressures may exist, the decision to harm a partner is always a choice, and it is a choice that can have fatal consequences.

So what does it mean when domestic violence turns lethal?

Dr. Jacquelyn Campbell of Johns Hopkins University sought to answer this question through research that led to the development of a lethality assessment tool. Each year, approximately 1,500 people are killed in domestic violence-related incidents in the United States. Identifying high-risk situations is critical to preventing these deaths.

When law enforcement responds to a domestic violence call, they may use an 11-question screening tool to assess the victim’s level of danger:

1. Has your partner ever used or threatened you with a weapon?

2. Have they threatened to kill you or your children?

3. Have they ever tried to choke or strangle you?

4. Do you believe they might try to kill you?

5. Do they have access to a gun?

6. Are they extremely jealous or controlling?

7. Have you recently separated or attempted to leave?

8. Are they unemployed?

9. Have they ever attempted suicide?

10. Do you have children they believe are not theirs?

11. Do they follow, monitor, or threaten you?

The first three (3) questions are especially critical. A “yes” to even one of these indicates a significantly increased risk of homicide. The remaining questions, including access to a firearm, help further assess the level of danger.

While any domestic violence situation has the potential to escalate, early intervention can save lives. When law enforcement connects victims with advocacy services, survivors are more likely to access safety planning, shelter, legal support, and other life-saving resources.

The Lethality Assessment Program (LAP) is a proven tool designed to identify high-risk cases and connect victims to immediate support. Tragedies like the death of Dr. Cerina Fairfax highlight just how vital this program is. She had taken steps to protect herself, including installing cameras and attempting to leave the relationship. She deserved safety and a future free from abuse.

We cannot change what happened or ask “What if?”, but we can raise awareness and strengthen the systems designed to protect others at risk.

If you or someone you know needs help, support is available 24/7. Please call the New Directions Center hotline at (540) 886-6800.