A tragic incident unfolded in a suburban Atlanta community, where a 15-year-old boy is facing adult charges for murder following the New Year’s Day shooting of an Uber driver. Authorities have identified the victim as 58-year-old Cesar Tejada from Grayson, Georgia, who was working when the fatal carjacking took place.
According to the Lawrenceville Police Department, Tejada, a father of two, was discovered early on January 1st after police responded to a report at around 5:20 a.m. Officers found him lying on the road in Lawrenceville, a suburb approximately 30 miles northeast of Atlanta, with a gunshot wound. Sadly, Tejada was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigations revealed that Tejada had picked up the suspect at around 4:13 a.m. The suspect, after being driven to Groveland Parkway, allegedly exited the vehicle, shot Tejada, and left him in the road before fleeing.
The grim discovery of Tejada’s body occurred in the 600 block of Groveland Parkway within the Meadow Grove subdivision, marking a somber start to the new year.
Utilizing FLOCK camera technology and in collaboration with Uber, detectives traced the path of Tejada’s vehicle to the location where the journey began. This led them to apprehend the suspect, identified as Christian Simmons, who was spotted walking near his home, according to police statements.
Using FLOCK camera technology and working in partnership with Uber, detectives tracked Tejada’s vehicle back to the area where the trip originated. Officers later detained the suspect, identified as 15-year-old Christian Simmons, after observing him walking in the roadway near his residence, police said.
Simmons has been charged as an adult with murder. Police initially withheld his identity due to his age.
Christian Simmons, 15, was charged with murder as an adult after Uber driver Cesar Tejada, 58, was found shot to death in Lawrenceville, Georgia, on New Year’s Day. (Lawrenceville Police Department/Facebook)
In a statement to Fox News Digital, an Uber spokesperson said the company is saddened by Tejada’s death.
“We’re saddened by this devastating loss, and our condolences go out to the driver’s family during this incredibly difficult time,” the spokesperson said. “We’ve been in contact with the Lawrenceville Police Department to help support their investigation.”
Uber confirmed the rider account associated with the incident has been permanently banned. The company said it employs former law enforcement professionals to assist with investigations and offers in-app safety features such as an emergency assistance button, GPS trip tracking and rider verification.
The Lawrenceville Police Department discovered a deceased Uber driver in the roadway of the nearby 600 block of Groveland Parkway in the Meadow Grove subdivision Jan. 1, 2026. (WAGA-TV)
Police described Tejada as a husband and father of two and extended condolences to his family. The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Lawrenceville Police Department.
