FAIRFAX, Va. (WRIC) — Colleagues are remembering Dr. Cerina Fairfax as a dedicated dentist, mother and mentor after police say she was shot and killed by her husband former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax in their Fairfax home, before he took his own life. Police said the couple’s two teenage children were inside the home at the time of the shooting. One of the children called 911 after finding their mother dead in the basement. Cerina Fairfax, 49, was an alumna of Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Dentistry, where she obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and graduated magna cum laude in 2005. Before attending VCU she earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Duke University. Dr. Fairfax later founded and operated a family dentistry practice in Fairfax County, Dr. Fairfax and Associates Family Dentistry. In 2015, she received the VCU Alumni Association’s Outstanding Graduate of the Last Decade award, recognizing her contributions to the dental profession and her community. According to her practice's website, Fairfax was committed to patient care as well as community outreach and volunteer work. We are deeply saddened to hear about the loss of one of our member dentists, Dr. Cerina Fairfax of Dr. Fairfax Associates Family Dentistry. Our thoughts are with Dr. Fairfax’s family and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. In addition to being a beloved practitioner in her community, Dr. Fairfax loved giving back through volunteer work and contributions to local charities focused on helping those in need.  As we remember Dr. Fairfax, we honor the impact she made and the connections she helped build within the VDA and her community. Fairfax was also a member of the Virginia Dental Association. The association's CEO, Ryan Dunn shared the following statement: "We are deeply saddened to hear about the loss of one of our member dentists, Dr. Cerina Fairfax of Dr. Fairfax Associates Family Dentistry. Our thoughts are with Dr. Fairfax’s family and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. In addition to being a beloved practitioner in her community, Dr. Fairfax loved giving back through volunteer work and contributions to local charities focused on helping those in need.  As we remember Dr. Fairfax, we honor the impact she made and the connections she helped build within the VDA and her community.   We recognize that this loss may be especially hard given the circumstances, and we encourage our community to support one another in the days ahead." In a message to the VCU School of Dentistry community, interim dean Jeffrey Johnson said Fairfax exemplified the values of the profession. "It is with deep sadness that I share the tragic loss of Dr. Cerina W. Fairfax, a valued member of our alumni community. Dr. Fairfax earned her D.D.S. from the VCU School of Dentistry in 2005 and continued her training with us through the AEGD program, underscoring her commitment to excellence in patient care and lifelong learning. In 2015, she received the Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Graduate of the Last Decade for her many contributions to the profession. Her loss is deeply felt by many who knew her. As a clinician and alumna, Dr. Fairfax embodied the ideals of our profession—dedication to her patients, commitment to growth, and a deep sense of purpose in her work each day. I know she was a mentor, role model, and friend to many in our school. At times like this, we are reminded of our community's strength and the enduring bonds that connect us across time and place. On behalf of our school, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Dr. Fairfax’s family, friends, colleagues, and all who were fortunate to know her. Please keep her children and loved ones in your thoughts during the days ahead." Fairfax County police said the couple's children are now staying with family members and receiving support from victim services. ...read more read less