Former Virginia lieutenant governorJustin Fairfax, who shot and killed his wife before taking his own life on Thursday morning, reportedly faced financial struggles in the years followingsexual assault allegationsthat derailed his political career.

Fairfax had once been considered a rising figure in Democratic politics before multiple allegations of sexual assault surfaced during his time in office. He denied the claims, but the controversy effectively ended his trajectory. After leaving office in 2022, he attempted to rebuild professionally, launching a private legal practice from his home.

According to a friend cited by theNew York Post, Fairfax 'couldn't find a job really after' the scandal. The struggle appears to have deepened over time. Financial records linked to his divorce show a sharp decline in income.

While his legal work reportedly brought in more than $400,000 (£316,000) in 2023, earnings fell to $11,000 (£8,700) in 2024, and by November 2025 he had recorded no income.

A friend said the former statewide officeholder, once positioned near the top of Virginia's political ladder, was reportedly unable to secure steady work or maintain a client base. Even those close to him appeared uncertain about how his practice was operating. 'I don't know who his clients were,' the source said.

That instability, according to the same account, placed increasing pressure on his personal life. His wife, Cerina Fairfax, was described as financially stable, with a career in dentistry and investments in property. The imbalance between their financial situations may have worsened existing marital problems.

'When he couldn't get clients, he couldn't get work, I think that's what started the downhill of the marriage itself,' the source said. There is, however, no official confirmation from investigators linking financial strain directly to themurder-suicide.

Authorities in Fairfax County confirmed that police responded to the scene on Thursday morning, where Fairfax is alleged to have killed his wife before turning the gun on himself. No further official details on motive have been released.

The source, reacting to the news, described shock at the escalation. 'I was stunned,' they said. 'I knew that he had been having some difficulties, but I didn't think it was this serious. I never imagined he'd kill anybody.'

Police have not indicated whether further details will be released, and no additional official statements had been issued at the time of writing.

Source: International Business Times UK