15-Year-Old Christian Simmons Faces Murder Charge in Fatal Carjacking Case Involving Uber Driver

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — Authorities are investigating a fatal carjacking incident that resulted in the death of a husband and father of two who was working as an Uber driver during the early morning hours of Thursday.

The victim was identified as Cesar Tejeda, a resident of Grayson, Georgia. According to the Lawrenceville Police Department, Tejeda was operating a black SUV for Uber when he accepted a ride request shortly after 4:13 a.m. on Groveland Parkway.

Investigators stated that surveillance footage shows that once the ride ended, the passenger exited the vehicle, walked toward the driver’s side, and an altercation occurred that led to Tejeda being fatally injured.

Police said the suspect then removed Tejeda from the SUV and fled the area in the vehicle.

Approximately 10 minutes later, authorities reported that the suspect briefly returned to the scene before driving the SUV to a residential neighborhood in Lilburn.

Using FLOCK license plate reader technology along with Ring doorbell camera footage, investigators were able to trace the vehicle’s movements.

Officers contacted the registered owner’s family, who confirmed that the SUV belonged to Tejeda and that he was working for Uber at the time of the incident.

With assistance from Uber, investigators identified a suspect and established surveillance at a residence in the Lilburn neighborhood where they believed the individual was staying.

When the suspect later exited the home and began walking, officers approached and took the individual into custody without incident.

The arrest involved officers from both the Gwinnett County Police Department and the Lawrenceville Police Department.

Authorities identified the suspect as Christian Simmons, 15, of Lilburn.

Investigators said Simmons had friends in the area where the Uber ride originated but had no known prior relationship with Tejeda.

Police believe the incident was motivated by vehicle theft, stating that Tejeda was targeted solely for the SUV.

Officials described the case as a tragic and senseless act that has deeply affected the community.

Tejeda’s death has left his family mourning the loss of a devoted husband and father, while community members have expressed concern and grief following the incident.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities say additional information will be released as it becomes available.