Boy, 15, Accused of Fatally Shooting Uber Driver, a 58-Year-Old Father of 2, Before Leaving His Body on the Road By Charlotte Phillipp

A Georgia teenager is facing a murder charge after allegedly shooting an Uber driver to death and leaving his body on the road on New Year’s Day.

According to the police in the Atlanta suburb of Lawrenceville, 15-year-old Christian Simmons has been charged as an adult in the murder of Cesar Tejada, 58, after the alleged shooting on Thursday, Jan. 1.

The Lawrenceville Police Department said in a press release that officers were called to the 600 block of Groveland Parkway at around 5:20 a.m. that day for a report of a person lying on the street. Officers found Tejada at the scene suffering from a gunshot wound.

Tejada, a husband and father of two, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said that investigators utilized FLOCK cameras — cameras installed by law enforcement agencies that can read car license plates — and found that Tejada picked up Simmons on Rangewood Drive just before 4:15 a.m.

When Tejada’s car arrived on Groveland Parkway, the teen allegedly “exited the back seat of the vehicle, shot Mr. Tejada and left him in the roadway.”

“Officers later located Mr. Tejada’s vehicle in the same area where the Uber trip originated. Detectives subsequently developed a suspect and began surveillance in the area,” police wrote. “The suspect later exited his residence and was observed walking in the roadway, at which time he was detained by officers without incident.”

During a press conference, police alleged that there was no evidence of an argument prior to the shooting, and they believe the motive was vehicle theft, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.

“It’s a senseless act and not the way any family would want to start a new year,” Lawrenceville Police Capt. Dena Pauly said during the conference.

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An Uber spokesperson told FOX 5 that the company has been assisting the Lawrenceville Police Department in their investigation.

“We’re saddened by this devastating loss, and our condolences go out to the driver’s family during this incredibly difficult time,” the spokesperson said.

Uber also said it banned the rider account associated with the incident, adding that it employs former law enforcement professionals to assist police with investigations and offers several in-app safety features, including an emergency button, GPS tracking and rider verification.

In a GoFundMe page organized by the victim’s wife, Evelyn Tejada Tatis, to assist with the family’s expenses, she wrote that he was “was the pillar of our home” and was “an exemplary man and excellent husband.”

The GoFundMe has raised more than $8,000, so far, as of Jan. 4.

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“Cesar’s alarm went off at the same time it did every day to go to work at 3:30 a.m.,” she continued. “This was his usual set time to wake up and go to work for Uber. He left the house not knowing that it would be his last time.”

“He was a great father to our two children. A good son, friend and human being. He wasn’t the type of person to create controversy, he was very calm, composed,” Evelyn wrote. “He lived a quiet life working hard to provide for his family. … We know that the pain of losing him won’t ever go away, but I have my children, my family, friends and above all, the protection of our Lord.”

For more information on safe firearm storage and the most effective ways to protect children from unsecured firearms, visit BeSMARTforkids.org.