Georgia teen Christian Simmons charged with murder for shooting Uber driver Cesar Tejada

A tragic incident unfolded early on New Year’s Day in a suburban Atlanta community, resulting in the senseless murder of an Uber driver. The victim, identified as 58-year-old Cesar Tejada of Grayson, Georgia, was found shot to death after a carjacking, leaving behind a devastated family. Tejada, a father of two, was working as an Uber driver at the time of the fatal shooting, according to the Lawrenceville Police Department.

Authorities responded to a report of a person lying in the roadway in Lawrenceville, approximately 30 miles northeast of Atlanta, around 5:20 a.m. Tejada was discovered with a gunshot wound and was tragically pronounced dead at the scene. Investigations revealed that Tejada had picked up the suspect, later identified as 15-year-old Christian Simmons, around 4:13 a.m. and transported him to Groveland Parkway.

The suspect exited the back seat of the vehicle, shot Tejada, and fled the scene, leaving the driver’s body in the road. Using FLOCK camera technology and collaborating with Uber, detectives were able to track Tejada’s vehicle back to the area where the trip originated. Simmons was later detained by officers after being observed walking near his residence.

Simmons has been charged as an adult with murder, although his identity was initially withheld due to his age. In response to the tragic incident, an Uber spokesperson expressed sadness and extended condolences to Tejada’s family. The rider account associated with the incident has been permanently banned by Uber, which also highlighted their in-app safety features and cooperation with law enforcement professionals in investigations.

Tejada, described as a husband and father of two, was remembered fondly by the community, and the Lawrenceville Police Department urged anyone with information to come forward. The investigation into the senseless murder of Cesar Tejada continues, as his family and loved ones mourn the devastating loss.