Lawrenceville, Georgia, January 5, 2026
A 15-year-old boy has been accused of fatally shooting a 58-year-old Uber driver, Cesar Tejada, in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The incident occurred when the teenager allegedly shot Tejada from behind before stealing his vehicle, leaving the victim’s body on the road. Investigators quickly apprehended the suspect, Christian Simmons, who has been charged with murder. This tragic event highlights the vulnerabilities within everyday life and the unexpected sorrow that can arise.
Lawrenceville, Georgia
In the quiet hours of New Year’s Day, a profound tragedy unfolded in Lawrenceville, Georgia, as a 15-year-old boy stands accused of fatally shooting a 58-year-old Uber driver. The victim, identified as Cesar Tejada, a father of two, was allegedly shot from behind before his vehicle was stolen, and his body was left in the roadway. This somber event has cast a pall over the beginning of the new year, prompting reflection on the vulnerabilities inherent in everyday life and the unforeseen pathways of human sorrow.
Details of the Incident
The incident transpired on January 1, on the 600 block of Groveland Parkway in Lawrenceville. Authorities were called to the scene around 5:20 a.m. after a report of a person lying in the street. Upon arrival, officers discovered Mr. Tejada, who had sustained at least one gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Investigators determined that Mr. Tejada, a resident of Grayson, was working as an Uber driver when he picked up the suspect, Christian Simmons, from Lilburn at approximately 4:13 a.m.
Police accounts suggest that after driving to Groveland Parkway, the teenager exited the back seat of the vehicle, then allegedly approached the driver’s side door and shot Mr. Tejada. The motive for this brutal act is believed to be vehicle theft. There was no evidence of an argument or prior connection between the driver and his passenger. After the shooting, the suspect allegedly removed Mr. Tejada from the vehicle and drove away in the stolen SUV, leaving the victim in the roadway. The vehicle was later found abandoned near the area where the Uber trip originated in Lilburn.
Investigation and Arrest
The swift response of law enforcement, in conjunction with technological aids, led to a rapid apprehension. Detectives utilized FLOCK cameras, which read car license plates, and reviewed Ring doorbell video footage from the vicinity to piece together a timeline of events. Assistance from Uber was also instrumental in the investigation, providing crucial records that helped track Mr. Tejada’s final trip. Through these efforts, Christian Simmons, the 15-year-old suspect, was identified. Officers located Simmons at a residence in Lilburn and subsequently detained him without incident when he was observed walking from the home.
Christian Simmons has been charged as an adult with murder. He was denied bond at his initial court appearance. The Lawrenceville Police Department, in statements following the arrest, expressed condolences to Mr. Tejada’s family and noted the senseless nature of the crime. An Uber spokesperson conveyed the company’s sorrow over the loss and confirmed their cooperation with the police, stating that the rider account associated with the incident has been banned.
A Life Interrupted
Cesar Tejada, a husband and father of two, was described by authorities as a man simply trying to provide for his family. His life, and the promise of a new year, were abruptly taken in an act that defies easy understanding, a stark reminder of the fragile threads that weave through our shared existence. This event, raw in its suddenness, leaves those who knew him, and indeed the wider community, to grapple with the inexplicable sorrow of a life senselessly extinguished.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened in Lawrenceville, Georgia?
- A 15-year-old boy has been accused of fatally shooting a 58-year-old Uber driver in Lawrenceville, Georgia, on New Year’s Day, before allegedly stealing his vehicle and leaving the victim’s body in the roadway.
- When did this incident occur?
- The incident occurred in the quiet hours of New Year’s Day, on January 1, around 5:20 a.m.
- Who was the victim?
- The victim was Cesar Tejada, a 58-year-old Uber driver, husband, and father of two, from Grayson, Georgia.
- Who is the accused?
- The accused is Christian Simmons, a 15-year-old boy from Lilburn, Georgia.
- What charges has the accused faced?
- Christian Simmons has been charged as an adult with murder.
- What was the motive for the shooting?
- The motive for this brutal act is believed to be vehicle theft.
- How was the suspect apprehended?
- Detectives utilized FLOCK cameras and reviewed Ring doorbell video footage, along with assistance from Uber, to identify and track down the suspect, who was later detained without incident.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Location of Incident | Lawrenceville, Georgia | State-level |
| Date of Incident | January 1, 2026 | State-level |
| Victim’s Name | Cesar Tejada | State-level |
| Victim’s Age | 58 | State-level |
| Victim’s Occupation | Uber Driver | State-level |
| Accused’s Name | Christian Simmons | State-level |
| Accused’s Age | 15 | State-level |
| Charges Against Accused | Murder (charged as adult) | State-level |
| Primary Motive | Vehicle Theft | State-level |
| Investigation Aids | FLOCK cameras, Ring doorbell video, Uber records | State-level |
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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.
