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Georgia Teen Charged as Adult in Killing of Uber Driver on New Year’s Day

Police say license-plate readers with Uber trip data led them to the suspect after the stolen SUV was traced to the ride’s origin.

Overview

  • Christian Simmons, 15, is accused of fatally shooting 58-year-old Uber driver Cesar Tejada in Lawrenceville after a pre-dawn trip that began in Lilburn.
  • An arrest warrant states Tejada was shot in the back shortly after arriving on Groveland Parkway, and his SUV was taken.
  • Detectives used FLOCK license-plate reader hits and company records to track the vehicle back to Rangewood Drive, then surveilled a residence tied to the ride.
  • Officers detained Simmons without incident after he left his home; he is charged with murder as an adult, and no booking photo was released because he is a juvenile.
  • Investigators have not disclosed how a firearm was obtained or whether others were involved; Uber banned the rider account and is cooperating with police as Tejada’s family raises funds online.