Criminal Motives

Why "Just Leave" Gets Women Killed — Justin Fairfax Murder-Suicide | Therapist Breaks It Down

13 min · 17. apr. 2026
episode Why "Just Leave" Gets Women Killed — Justin Fairfax Murder-Suicide | Therapist Breaks It Down cover

Description

Former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax shot and killed his wife, Serena Fairfax, before turning the gun on himself in an Annandale, Virginia home while their two teenage children were inside. In this video, therapist Matthew Phifer breaks down the psychology behind this murder-suicide, why the moment divorce papers were served became the deadly trigger, and what this tragedy reveals about domestic violence in wealthy, high-profile households. This case is a sobering reminder that intimate partner violence doesn't discriminate by income, status, or public image and that the most dangerous time for a domestic violence victim is when she decides to leave. If you or someone you know is currently in an abusive relationship or navigating a dangerous separation, this video covers warning signs of narcissistic abuse, escalation patterns in domestic violence, and how to safely exit a toxic or violent relationship.

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episode Why "Just Leave" Gets Women Killed — Justin Fairfax Murder-Suicide | Therapist Breaks It Down artwork

Why "Just Leave" Gets Women Killed — Justin Fairfax Murder-Suicide | Therapist Breaks It Down

Former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax shot and killed his wife, Serena Fairfax, before turning the gun on himself in an Annandale, Virginia home while their two teenage children were inside. In this video, therapist Matthew Phifer breaks down the psychology behind this murder-suicide, why the moment divorce papers were served became the deadly trigger, and what this tragedy reveals about domestic violence in wealthy, high-profile households. This case is a sobering reminder that intimate partner violence doesn't discriminate by income, status, or public image and that the most dangerous time for a domestic violence victim is when she decides to leave. If you or someone you know is currently in an abusive relationship or navigating a dangerous separation, this video covers warning signs of narcissistic abuse, escalation patterns in domestic violence, and how to safely exit a toxic or violent relationship.

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