Teen charged as adult in killing of Uber driver found dead in Lawrenceville

Car of Uber driver who was killed on New Years Day January, 1 2026

BY  NEWS BLEND 360

Updated 9:26 AM EST, January 1, 2026

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA - Authorities suspect that an Uber driver discovered deceased in the street in Lawrenceville was shot and killed by a 15-year-old boy during a carjacking on New Year's Day. 

The teenager has been apprehended, and police have stated he will face adult charges for the crimes. 

Lawrenceville police identified the victim as 58-year-old Cesar Tejada from Grayson, an Uber driver who was working early Thursday morning when he was fatally shot. Police described the killing as "senseless" and noted that Tejada was merely trying to support his family.

According to Captain Dena Pauly, the department's public information officer, officers were dispatched shortly after 5:20 a.m. on Jan. 1 to the 600 block of Groveland Parkway following a 911 report of an unresponsive man in the roadway. Upon arrival, officers found Tejada with at least one gunshot wound and he was declared dead at the scene.

Captain Pauly mentioned that detectives promptly reviewed Flock safety camera data and Ring doorbell footage, which captured a black SUV stopping in the street, dropping the victim's body, and driving off. Police later identified the SUV as Tejada's vehicle.

Using camera footage and license plate information, detectives discovered Tejada was working as an Uber driver at the time. With Uber's help, police reconstructed a detailed timeline of Tejada's last hours.

Pauly stated that Tejada picked up a passenger at 4:13 a.m. on Rangewood Drive in Lilburn and drove to Groveland Parkway. Ring camera footage shows the passenger exiting the back seat, approaching the driver's side door, and shooting Tejada. Investigators reported that the suspect then removed Tejada from the vehicle and left the area.

Approximately 10 minutes later, the suspect returned before heading back to Lilburn, according to Pauly. By analyzing Uber records and camera data, detectives found that the vehicle was eventually abandoned near where Tejada had initially picked up the passenger.

Location in Lawrenceville, GA were the uber driver was shot and killed

Officers were dispatched to a home in that vicinity and subsequently detained a suspect after observing him leaving the residence. Police identified the suspect as 15-year-old Christian Simmons from Lilburn.

Simmons was charged as an adult with murder. Police indicated he was initially uncooperative but eventually complied and was arrested without further incident. Authorities stated there was no evidence of an argument, believing the shooting was solely to steal the vehicle.

Tejada had no ties to the neighborhood, Pauly noted, adding that he resided in Grayson and was working to earn extra income for his family.

"This is not the way any family would want to start a new year," Pauly remarked during a Friday news conference, expressing condolences to Tejada's relatives.

In a statement to News Blend 360, an Uber 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."

Uber also reported that the rider's account has been banned. 

Lawrenceville police stressed that violent crime in the city is uncommon and affirmed their commitment to community safety.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Lawrenceville Police Department.