Police traced the victim’s SUV to Lilburn the same day and arrested a 15-year-old in connection with the fatal carjacking.
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. — Police on Friday identified the 58-year-old Uber driver killed on New Year’s Day as Cesar Tejada and said a 15-year-old, Christian Simmons of Lilburn, will face adult charges after investigators used neighborhood video to track the victim’s SUV and make a same-day arrest.
Tejada’s killing unfolded before dawn Thursday in a residential stretch off Groveland Parkway, where officers were called at 5:20 a.m. and found him in the roadway with at least one gunshot wound. Detectives later said doorbell video showed a black SUV stop, a man placed on the pavement and the vehicle drive off, only to return about 15 minutes later. Police determined the SUV belonged to Tejada and located it around 1 p.m. on Hardwood Circle in Lilburn, roughly 10 miles from the scene, where they detained Simmons. The case is being investigated as a carjacking that turned deadly.
Neighbors described the discovery as jarring for a quiet cul-de-sac. “He was lifeless,” said Hieu Lee, whose father spotted the body while leaving for work. “Horrible, scary, we’re still shocked.” Police said preliminary findings indicate Tejada had completed a fare when he was shot after reaching the destination. Investigators said there was no sign of an argument before the shooting. Uber said it has banned the rider account tied to the trip and is assisting detectives. The company offered condolences to Tejada’s relatives and said it is cooperating with the Lawrenceville Police Department as the probe continues.
Friday’s identification of both the victim and the teenage suspect clarified key questions after the initial emergency response. Authorities said Tejada’s family was notified before his name was released publicly. Officials did not immediately disclose how many times Tejada was shot, whether a firearm was recovered or whether additional suspects are being sought. Police said more video from homes along Groveland Parkway and nearby streets is being reviewed to chart the SUV’s movements between the 4:30 a.m. stop seen on camera and the return pass minutes later.
Lawrenceville police said Simmons will be charged as an adult with murder and that more counts could follow as evidence is processed and presented to prosecutors. A first court appearance had not been set by Friday. The Gwinnett medical examiner will confirm Tejada’s exact cause of death and the number of wounds after testing is complete. Detectives said they are coordinating with the district attorney’s office on next steps, which typically include a probable-cause hearing and, later, grand jury consideration of formal indictments. Officials plan another update once scheduling is finalized.
Tejada’s death came hours into the new year and drew ride-hail drivers to the block later Thursday, some of whom left small bouquets near the curb. Residents recalled waking to patrol cars and crime-scene tape sealing off part of the street. Others scrolled through their doorbell feeds and shared clips that showed headlights, brake lights and the SUV’s path before sunrise. “It’s a suburban neighborhood. You don’t get any of that here,” Lee said. “It’s so sad. That’s somebody’s grandfather just working a job.”
As of midday Friday, police said the investigation remains active, with forensic tests queued and additional interviews pending. The next milestone is expected to be the teen’s first appearance in court early next week, followed by charging documents that detail the evidence collected so far.
Author note: Last updated January 2, 2026.