A 15-Year-Old Charged as Adult in Murder of Uber Driver
A tragic incident unfolded in a suburban Atlanta community on New Year’s Day, resulting in the death of 58-year-old Uber driver Cesar Tejada. The father of two was found shot to death after a carjacking, with a 15-year-old boy now facing murder charges as an adult, as per authorities.
Tejada, a resident of Grayson, Georgia, was identified as the victim by the Lawrenceville Police Department. The police responded to a report of a person lying in the roadway early in the morning and found Tejada with a fatal gunshot wound.
According to investigators, Tejada had picked up the suspect at around 4:13 a.m. and transported him to Groveland Parkway. The suspect then shot Tejada, leaving him in the road before fleeing the scene. Using FLOCK camera technology, detectives were able to track Tejada’s vehicle back to the area where the trip began.
The suspect, identified as Christian Simmons, was later detained by officers near his residence. Simmons has been charged with murder and is being tried as an adult. Uber, in a statement to Fox News Digital, expressed sadness over Tejada’s death and offered condolences to his family.
Uber also confirmed that the rider account associated with the incident has been permanently banned. The company emphasized its commitment to safety by employing former law enforcement professionals and providing in-app safety features like emergency assistance buttons and GPS trip tracking.
Police described Tejada as a husband and father of two, extending their condolences to his family. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Lawrenceville Police Department.
