15-year-old charged after Uber driver killed, body dumped in road

Written by: A. Smith

Published January 2, 2026 @ 12:15 PM ET

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. – A 15-year-old boy has been charged as an adult in the fatal carjacking of an Uber driver in Lawrenceville, a case investigators say was solved in part through doorbell camera footage that tracked the victim’s stolen vehicle.

Lawrenceville police said the teenager, identified Friday as Christian Simmons of Lilburn, was arrested around 1 p.m. Thursday at a home on Hardwood Circle. He is charged as an adult in connection with the killing of Cesar Tejada, a 58-year-old Uber driver from Grayson.

Officers were called around 5:20 a.m. Thursday to the 600 block of Groveland Parkway after receiving a report of a person lying in the roadway. When officers arrived, they found Tejada dead from at least one gunshot wound, police said.

Investigators determined Tejada had been carjacked while working as an Uber driver. Police said Ring doorbell video from the area showed a black SUV stopping and dropping Tejada’s body in the roadway before speeding away. Using additional investigative technology, detectives were able to identify the SUV as Tejada’s vehicle and track its movements.

That information led investigators to Lilburn, where Simmons was taken into custody several hours later, police said.

Authorities initially declined to release the suspect’s name because of his age, but confirmed he would be prosecuted as an adult under Georgia law. Additional details about the circumstances leading up to the shooting and carjacking have not been released.

Uber said it is cooperating with the investigation and has taken action against the account connected to the ride.

“We’re saddened by this devastating loss, and our condolences go out to the driver’s family during this incredibly difficult time,” an Uber spokesperson said. “We’ve been in contact with the Lawrenceville Police Department to help support their investigation.”

The company confirmed the rider account associated with the incident has been banned. Uber also said it employs former law enforcement professionals to assist police investigations and offers in-app safety features such as GPS tracking, rider verification, and an emergency assistance button.

The investigation remains active. Lawrenceville police are asking anyone with information about the case to contact the department.