Baltimore Mayor Condemns Violence After Dentist’s Death

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott is using his platform to address a deeply troubling issue following the tragic murder of Dr. Cerina Wanzer Fairfax. He’s calling out what he describes as unacceptable behavior among men, emphasizing the need for accountability and urging them to intervene when they witness concerning actions from their peers.

A Call for Male Accountability

Dr. Fairfax, a respected dentist and mother, is being remembered by loved ones as her death sparks renewed conversations about violence against Black women. Mayor Scott took to Threads to express his grief and frustration, stating, “Fellas we have to be better. Too many folks trying to make excuses. There are none.”

He specifically condemned “sucka a** coward behavior” that often goes unchecked. Scott highlighted the devastating consequences, noting, “Too many dudes surrounded by other dudes who don’t check their homeboys for stuff that leads to stuff like this. So much more to it I know but now a woman is gone and her kids are orphans.”

A Life Focused on the Future

According to her close friend Glennetta White, who knew Dr. Fairfax for 25 years, the 49-year-old was on the cusp of a new chapter. Her divorce was nearing completion, and she was looking forward to regaining normalcy. “As far as Cerina was concerned, she had a few more days to go and it would all be over. She was finally going to be free,” White shared.

White described their last conversation as routine, with Dr. Fairfax focused on her practice, her children, and her family. She wasn’t living in fear but was “desperate to get some normalcy back” and was actively “moving on, turning the page.”

Investigation into Divorce Proceedings

Fairfax County police confirmed that Justin Fairfax, Dr. Fairfax’s husband, allegedly shot his wife before taking his own life. The incident occurred while their teenage children were reportedly at home. Police Chief Kevin Davis stated that investigators are examining whether the ongoing divorce proceedings played a role in the tragedy.

This incident has intensified conversations about violence against Black women, a pattern that continues to be a critical concern. Colleagues at Virginia Commonwealth University remember Dr. Fairfax as a dedicated clinician and mentor who embodied professionalism and purpose.