A Virginia judge documented serious mental health concerns about former Democratic Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax just weeks before he allegedly killed his wife and himself in a shocking murder-suicide, raising questions about whether the tragedy could have been prevented.
Judge’s Prior Warnings Went Unheeded
Circuit Court Judge Randy Bellows expressed alarm over Fairfax’s deteriorating mental state during custody proceedings involving the couple’s two teenage children. Court documents reveal Fairfax experienced what the judge termed an “adverse psychological event” in 2022, during which he purchased a handgun with money intended for his children’s horseback riding lessons. Relatives discovered him in a public park after hours of frantic searching, and his brother called mental health professionals after being unable to calm him down.
The tragedy occurred early Thursday morning at the couple’s Annandale home, just days before an April 21 divorce hearing and an April 30 court-ordered deadline requiring Fairfax to vacate the residence. Authorities confirmed Fairfax had recently been served with paperwork related to the upcoming proceedings. Judge Bellows had previously ordered Fairfax to move out, citing extremely high tension in the home that was exacerbating an already volatile situation.
Downfall Following Sexual Assault Allegations
Fairfax served as Virginia’s lieutenant governor from 2018 to 2022 before his political career collapsed. Two women accused him of sexual assault in 2019 while they were students at Duke University. Court documents state the allegations “deeply affected” Fairfax and “appear to have put an end” to his gubernatorial ambitions. The accusations marked the beginning of a steep personal decline that ultimately led to the couple’s separation and ongoing divorce proceedings.
Warning Signs of Severe Depression
According to court filings, Fairfax exhibited signs of severe depression and alcohol abuse during the separation. He allegedly locked himself in his home office, surrounded by empty wine bottles, trash, and piles of dirty laundry, emerging only briefly for food or cigarettes. Despite documenting these concerning behaviors and the 2022 gun incident, Judge Bellows noted there was no evidence Fairfax had sought professional mental health treatment. The judge did not order psychological therapy as part of the custody arrangements, a decision now being scrutinized following the deadly outcome.
