Uber Driver Killed in Lawrenceville Carjacking; Teen Arrested

UPDATE: The victim has been identified as 58-year-old Cesar Tejada of Grayson. He was a husband and a father of two. The suspect was identified as 15-year-old Christian Simmons. He has been charged as an adult for murder.

Thought the use of FLOCK camera technology and the help of Uber, detectives had determined that Mr. Tejada picked up the suspect on Rangewood Drive at approximately 4:13 am. He then transported the suspect to the 600 block of Groveland Parkway, where the suspect exited the back seat of the vehicle, shot Mr. Tejada, and left him in the roadway. Officers later located Mr. Tajada’s vehicle in the same area where the Uber trip originated.

Original Post:

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – Lawrenceville police are investigating a deadly carjacking that left a 58-year-old Uber driver dead early New Year’s Day, with a teenager now charged with murder.

Officers were called around 5:20 a.m. on January 1 to the 600 block of Groveland Parkway after a report of a person lying in the roadway. When officers arrived, they found a deceased male who had suffered at least one gunshot wound.

As the investigation unfolded, detectives reviewed Ring doorbell video from the area. The footage showed a black SUV stopping in the roadway, dropping off the victim, and then leaving the scene. Investigators later determined the SUV belonged to the victim.

Police say further investigation revealed the victim was an Uber driver who had been carjacked, a crime that ultimately led to his death.

Using investigative technology, officers tracked the vehicle and located it around 1:00 p.m. at a residence on Hardwood Circle in Lilburn. A 15-year-old male was taken into custody at that location and charged as an adult with murder.

The name of the victim is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Because of the suspect’s age, his identity is also not being released.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Lawrenceville Police Department at 770-962-4173.