Patients and colleagues are remembering Dr. Serina Fairfax as a devoted mother, caring dentist and rock at the center of her family, police say. she was killed By her estranged husband, former Lieutenant Governor of Virginia Justin Fairfax.
Police found the two dead in their home in the Washington, D.C., suburb of Annandale, Virginia, early Thursday. they believe Justin Fairfax First he shot his wife and then committed suicide himself. They were going through a divorce and Justin Fairfax was ordered by a judge to move out of the house by the end of the month.
Serina Fairfax, 49, ran a thriving family dental practice in the nearby town of Fairfax. Her profile page describes her as an avid reader who enjoys traveling, practicing yoga, going on trail runs with her Vizsla-breed dogs, and “spending time with her wonderful family.”
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Editor’s note – This story contains discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the US National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat 988lifeline.org
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Virginia Representative Jennifer McClellan, who knew Fairfax through her husband’s campaign and his time in office, said that her two teenage children were “the people she loved most.”
“Serina Fairfax was a loving and devoted mother and the rock at the center of her large family,” McClellan wrote in a statement.
Teron Sims II, a friend and patient, remembered him as a calm and caring friend whose dentistry was much more than a profession.
“It was an expression of love and compassion,” Sims told WUSA-TV. “It was his way of serving others.”
Fairfax was recognized by the Virginia Commonwealth School of Dentistry in 2015 as an outstanding graduate of the past decade. Dr. Jeffrey Johnson, interim dean of the dental school, wrote that his loss is deeply felt by many who knew him.
“As a physician and alumnus, Dr. Fairfax embodies the ideals of our profession – dedication to his patients, commitment to growth, and a deep sense of purpose in his work every day,” Johnson wrote. “I know she was a mentor, role model and friend to many at our school.”
Leaders of the state’s dental community also praised his achievements and commitment to patients.
“In addition to being a beloved physician in his community, Dr. Fairfax loved volunteer work and contributing to local charities focused on helping those in need,” Ryan Dunn, CEO of the Virginia Dental Association, said in a statement. “As we remember Dr. Fairfax, we honor the impact he made and the connections he made within VDA and its community.”
Serena 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. He was considered a rising star in the Democratic Party. two women come forward accused him of sexual harassment Years ago, he and Serena were married. After an unsuccessful run for the governorship, he left office at the end of his term in 2022.
Serena Fairfax said in court filings that they separated about two years ago. But they were still living in the same house with their children, with police saying both were at home at the time of their deaths.
The judge overseeing the divorce told Justin Fairfax to move out by the end of April, writing, “It is clear that tensions have been high in the Fairfax household for a long time.”
