A Georgia teenager has been charged with murder after authorities say he fatally shot an Uber driver and left the victim’s body on a roadway on New Year’s Day.
Police in the Atlanta suburb of Lawrenceville announced that 15-year-old Christian Simmons is being charged as an adult in connection with the death of Cesar Tejada, 58. The shooting allegedly occurred early Thursday morning, Jan. 1.
According to the Lawrenceville Police Department, officers were dispatched to the 600 block of Groveland Parkway at approximately 5:20 a.m. after receiving a report of a person lying in the street. When officers arrived, they found Tejada suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Tejada was a husband and the father of two.
Investigators said they used FLOCK cameras — license plate–reading cameras installed by law enforcement — to track Tejada’s movements before the shooting. The footage showed that Tejada picked up Simmons on Rangewood Drive shortly before 4:15 a.m.
Police allege that when the vehicle reached Groveland Parkway, Simmons exited the back seat, shot Tejada, and left him in the roadway.
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Authorities later located Tejada’s vehicle near the area where the Uber trip began. After developing a suspect, detectives conducted surveillance in the neighborhood. Police said the suspect later exited his residence and was seen walking along the roadway, at which point he was taken into custody without incident.
During a press conference, investigators said there was no evidence of an argument before the shooting and believe the motive was vehicle theft, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.
“It’s a senseless act and not the way any family would want to start a new year,” Lawrenceville Police Capt. Dena Pauly said.
An Uber spokesperson told FOX 5 that the company is assisting the Lawrenceville Police Department with the investigation.
“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.
Uber also confirmed that the rider account linked to the incident has been banned. The company noted that it employs former law enforcement professionals to support investigations and provides in-app safety features such as an emergency button, GPS tracking, and rider verification.
A GoFundMe page organized by Tejada’s wife, Evelyn Tejada Tatis, describes him as “the pillar of our home” and “an exemplary man and excellent husband.” As of Jan. 4, the fundraiser had raised more than $8,000 to help cover the family’s expenses.
“Cesar’s alarm went off at the same time it did every day to go to work at 3:30 a.m.,” she wrote. “This was his usual set time to wake up and go to work for Uber. He left the house not knowing that it would be his last time.”
She added, “He was a great father to our two children — a good son, friend, and human being. He lived a quiet life, working hard to provide for his family. We know that the pain of losing him won’t ever go away, but I have my children, my family, friends, and above all, the protection of our Lord.”
