Lawrenceville, Georgia, January 5, 2026
In a tragic incident in Lawrenceville, Georgia, a 15-year-old boy is accused of fatally shooting an Uber driver during a suspected carjacking on New Year’s Day. The victim, Cesar Tejada, was shot in the back as he was working to support his family. The accused, Christian Simmons, has been charged with murder as an adult. This incident has shocked the local community, prompting reflection on the violence that can disrupt everyday life.
Lawrenceville, Georgia
In a somber start to the new year, a 15-year-old boy stands accused of fatally shooting an Uber driver, a 58-year-old father of two, in what authorities believe was a carjacking. The tragic incident unfolded in the early hours of New Year’s Day in Lawrenceville, an Atlanta suburb, leaving a family grieving and a community reflecting on the suddenness of loss. The accused, Christian Simmons, 15, has been charged as an adult with murder.
A Routine Drive Turned Fatal
The victim, Cesar Tejada of Grayson, Georgia, was working as an Uber driver when he picked up a passenger, identified as Christian Simmons, around 4:13 a.m. on Thursday, January 1, 2026, from Rangewood Drive in Lilburn. The journey concluded on Groveland Parkway in Lawrenceville, a residential street where the quiet dawn was shattered by an act of violence. Investigators state that upon arrival at the destination, the teen exited the back seat of the vehicle, then allegedly approached the driver’s side and shot Mr. Tejada in the back. His body was subsequently left in the roadway.
A 911 caller reported finding an unresponsive man lying in the street on the 600 block of Groveland Parkway shortly after 5:20 a.m. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Mr. Tejada suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased at the location. The stillness of the morning had given way to an irrevocable end for a man simply striving to provide for his family.
The Investigation and Arrest
The Lawrenceville Police Department swiftly initiated an investigation, leveraging a combination of modern surveillance technologies and ride-sharing service data. Detectives utilized Flock safety camera data, which captures license plate information, and reviewed Ring doorbell video footage from the vicinity. These digital footprints, alongside assistance from Uber, allowed investigators to piece together a detailed timeline of Mr. Tejada’s final hours. Police determined that Mr. Tejada’s black SUV, which was stolen after the shooting, was later located in the same area where the Uber trip originated in Lilburn.
Through this meticulous process, investigators identified Christian Simmons as the suspect. Officers subsequently conducted surveillance at Simmons’ residence, taking him into custody without incident when he was observed walking down the road. Authorities have indicated that there was no evidence of an argument preceding the shooting, leading them to believe the motive was vehicle theft. This objective assessment points to a profoundly impersonal crime, highlighting the vulnerability that can accompany everyday work.
A Life Remembered
Cesar Tejada was a 58-year-old husband and father of two children. His wife, Evelyn Tejada Tatis, conveyed the profound shock and sorrow that has enveloped their family, noting that he had left home for work “not knowing that it would be his last time”. She described him as a “great father to our two children. A good son, friend and human being”. The quiet dignity of a man dedicated to his family now rests in memory, a testament to the unforeseen ways in which life’s threads can be severed.
The incident has reverberated through the community, reminding its members of the fragility of peace within familiar routines. Neighbors on Groveland Parkway expressed their dismay at such a violent event occurring in what they described as a retirement neighborhood, across from an elementary school. The visible scars left by such an unthinkable act prompt a moment of collective reflection on the human cost of sudden, inexplicable violence. While the legal process proceeds, the enduring grief of a family and the disruption of a community serve as a poignant reminder of the preciousness of each life and the profound implications of its loss.
The Uber company has acknowledged the incident, expressing condolences to Mr. Tejada’s family and confirming their cooperation with the Lawrenceville Police Department. The company also stated that the rider account associated with the incident has been banned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Lawrenceville, Georgia on New Year’s Day?
An Uber driver, Cesar Tejada, 58, was fatally shot in what police believe was a carjacking. A 15-year-old boy, Christian Simmons, has been accused and charged as an adult with murder.
Who was the victim in this incident?
The victim was Cesar Tejada, a 58-year-old Uber driver from Grayson, Georgia, and a father of two.
Who is the accused?
The accused is Christian Simmons, a 15-year-old boy from Lilburn, Georgia, who has been charged as an adult with murder.
When did the incident occur?
The incident occurred in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day, Thursday, January 1, 2026, around 4:00 a.m.
Where was the victim’s body found?
Cesar Tejada’s body was found on the 600 block of Groveland Parkway in Lawrenceville, Georgia.
What was the suspected motive for the shooting?
Police believe the motive was a carjacking/vehicle theft, with no evidence of an argument prior to the shooting.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Detail | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Incident | January 1, 2026 | Local |
| Location of Incident | Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County, Georgia | Local |
| Victim’s Age and Occupation | 58-year-old Uber driver | Local |
| Victim’s Family Status | Father of two children | Local |
| Suspect’s Age | 15 years old | Local |
| Charges Against Suspect | Murder (charged as an adult) | State-level (Georgia law) |
| Suspected Motive | Carjacking/Vehicle theft | Local |
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Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
