What began as a routine Uber pickup ended in cold-blooded murder on the first morning of 2026 — and now a 15-year-old is being charged as an adult.
Christian Simmons is facing murder charges for allegedly killing 58-year-old Cesar Tejada, a beloved husband, father of two, and part-time rideshare driver trying to make ends meet.
Police say Simmons requested an Uber ride from Lilburn at 4:13 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Tejada picked him up, not knowing it would be his final ride.
After being dropped off in Lawrenceville, Simmons reportedly circled back to the vehicle, opened the driver’s side door, and shot Tejada — execution-style — before fleeing and leaving the dying man in the road.
“There was no argument. No struggle. No warning,” said Capt. Dena Pauly of the Lawrenceville Police Department. “He was just trying to earn extra money for his family. This was a senseless murder.”
Police were called to the scene just after 5 a.m. A neighbor, Hieu Le, told Atlanta News First the moment still haunts him: “It was terrifying seeing a lifeless body. I was shivering.”
Tejada was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officers quickly began combing nearby security footage. They spotted a black SUV — later identified as Tejada’s own vehicle — circling the area.
The car was eventually found back near the original pickup location. Detectives linked it to Simmons and began surveillance outside his Lilburn home. When the teen stepped outside, police moved in.
“He never saw us coming,” a law enforcement source told the outlet. “We had him dead to rights.”
Police confirmed Simmons had multiple prior run-ins with the law, though they declined to provide specifics.
“We don’t know yet how he got the gun,” Capt. Pauly said. “But he clearly knew how to use it.”
Authorities believe the motive was as simple — and as chilling — as wanting to steal the car.
“There’s no evidence of any dispute,” Pauly emphasized. “He wanted the vehicle. And he took a man’s life for it.”
Tejada’s family is shattered by the loss. Friends describe him as a hard-working man who juggled multiple jobs to provide for his children.
“This is not how anyone should start the new year,” Pauly added. “We’re heartbroken for them.”
Uber confirmed Simmons’ account has been permanently banned and offered condolences in a statement:
“We’re saddened by this devastating loss. Our thoughts are with Mr. Tejada’s family during this incredibly difficult time.”
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