Teen Christian Simmons, 15, Charged in Deadly New Year’s Day Carjacking and Murder of Georgia Uber Driver Cesar Tejada [VIDEO]

Cesar Tejada, 58, an Uber driver, husband, and father of two, was shot and killed on New Year’s Day during a carjacking by 15-year-old Christian Simmons of Lilburn. Police have charged Simmons as an adult with murder in connection with the fatal incident.

Timeline of the Incident

Authorities report that Tejada had woken just an hour earlier, kissed his wife and children goodbye, and left for work, hoping to make extra money for his family. Around 4:13 a.m., Tejada picked up Simmons from a home on Rangewood Drive in Lilburn.

Police say that when they reached the 600 block of Groveland Parkway in Lawrenceville, Simmons allegedly exited the back seat, shot Tejada through the driver’s side door, pushed him from the vehicle, and drove away.

Cesar Tejada, 58, was working as an Uber driver at the time of the fatal shooting.

 

By 1 p.m., law enforcement had located Tejada’s SUV at a residence on Hardwood Circle in Lilburn, and Simmons was taken into custody shortly afterward. Simmons has a juvenile criminal history, though police report there is no evidence of a fight or motive other than wanting the SUV.

Community Reaction

Lawrenceville Public Information Officer Dena Pauly called the incident senseless:

“He was just out trying to make extra money for his family. It’s a senseless act and not the way any family would want to start a new year.”

Local resident Hieu Le, who lives on Groveland Parkway, described the scene:

“I was shivering. It was terrifying seeing a lifeless body… My wife here hasn’t been able to walk outside and not see the stain. It’s so jarring. To see that, to see that could have been somebody’s grandfather, father, it’s heartbreaking.”

Teen Christian Simmons, 15, Charged in Deadly New Year’s Day Carjacking and Murder of Georgia Uber Driver Cesar Tejada

Uber Response

Uber confirmed that Simmons’ account has been permanently banned. A spokesperson said:

“We’re saddened by this devastating loss, and our condolences go out to the driver’s family during this incredibly difficult time. We’ve been in contact with the Lawrenceville Police Department to help support their investigation.”

Investigation Ongoing

Authorities continue to investigate the motive, timeline, and circumstances surrounding Tejada’s death. Law enforcement is working with Uber and local surveillance data, including Flock camera technology, to reconstruct the events of the fatal carjacking.