RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Virginia leaders are sharing their condolences after former Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax shot and killed his wife and then himself in their home on Thursday morning. Police confirmed that the former lieutenant governor shot and killed his wife, Cerina Fairfax, and then himself i n a murder-suicide early Thursday morning in their Annandale home. Officers said the incident came after Justin Fairfax was served paperwork related to an ongoing divorce process between him and his wife. The couple's children were in the home at the time of the incident. Their son called 911 to report the incident, police said. Justin Fairfax served as the state's lieutenant governor under former governor Ralph Northam (D) from 2018 to 2022. He was the second African-American elected to statewide office. Northam, who served as Virginia's 73rd governor, told 8News that he and his wife are "devastated by this heartbreaking news." "I had the privilege of getting to know the Fairfaxes while our families served together. We are praying for Cameron, Carys, and the entire Fairfax family during this incredibly difficult time,” the former governor said. PREVIOUS: Former Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax shoots and kills wife, then self in Annandale home, police say Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) released a statement Thursday expressing that she was "deeply saddened" by the "horrific tragedy" as she prays for the Fairfaxes' children. “Dr. Fairfax was a devoted mother, beloved dentist in the Fairfax County community, and engaged supporter of her alma mater, Virginia Commonwealth University. My prayers are with the Wanzer and Fairfax families as they mourn their own loss, endeavor to make sense of this tragedy, and comfort the Fairfax children," the statement read, in part. Spanberger reminded Virginians that resources for those experiencing domestic violence and mental health crises are available, and that "domestic violence can occur in any family and in any place." Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi (D) issued a statement Thursday morning, saying in part that she "[awaits] further insights from our law enforcement officials." “Virginia woke up this morning to the devastating news regarding Cerina Fairfax and former Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax. My thoughts are with their children, loved ones, and numerous friends. Along with so many in the Commonwealth, I am filled with sorrow," the statement read. Attorney General Jay Jones (D) told 8News that he and his wife "pray for peace and comfort during this devastating time." “Mavis and I are heartbroken by this tragedy," he said. "We are holding Cameron and Carys, along with their loved ones, in our prayers. No family and no child should have to experience this grief.”  Former Attorney General Jason Miyares (R) quoted a verse in the Bible and said that his heart "goes out to the Fairfax family today, particularly the children." "For anyone struggling with this kind of darkness, the most courageous thing you can do is ask for help. There is more help and friendship out there than we realize," the statement read. The Political Recap: Budget, redistricting, minimum wage Former lieutenant governor Winsome Earle-Seares (R) issued a statement on the Fairfaxes' deaths, which reads: "I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Justin Fairfax and his wife, Cerina Fairfax. This heartbreaking situation has left a profound impact on their loved ones, especially their children, who now face an unimaginable loss. My prayers are with their family during this incredibly difficult time. As a Commonwealth, we mourn not only the loss of life, but also the pain and trauma that accompanies such a tragedy. May we come together in compassion and support for those grieving, and extend grace to all who are affected. This moment also reminds us of the importance of caring for one another, seeking help when needed, and strengthening the resources available for families facing crisis. May God bring comfort, healing, and peace in the days ahead." Virginia Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (both D) issued a joint statement on the deaths of the Fairfaxes. “We are keeping Cerina and Justin Fairfax’s family—especially their two children—in our prayers as we all process this shocking and horrifying news. We urge any Virginians impacted by domestic violence to call the police or the National Domestic Violence Hotline for support.” House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore (R) sent 8News the following statement. “There aren’t words to describe this tragedy. My prayers are with their children and their extended family,” the statement read. House Speaker Don Scott (D) issued the statement below. “I am heartbroken by the deeply disturbing reports emerging this morning. This is an unspeakable tragedy – and our hearts are with the family, especially the children and loved ones whose lives have been forever changed by this devastating loss. There are moments when words fall short – and this is one of them. All we can do is pray, hold our loved ones closer, and grieve alongside those who are hurting today." This is a developing story, stay with 8News for updates. ...read more read less