An Uber driver killed during a suspected carjacking in Lawrenceville, Gwinnett County, on New Year’s Day is being remembered by his family as a hardworking man focused on providing for those he loved.
A Routine Shift That Never Ended
The victim, Cesar Tejada, was 58. According to his wife, Tejada began his day the way he always did, waking in the early morning hours to head to work. His alarm sounded at 3:30 a.m., marking the start of what was supposed to be another routine shift driving for Uber. Instead, it became his final trip.
Authorities say Tejada was killed in Lawrenceville after dropping off a passenger. The Lawrenceville Police Department says the killing occurred during a suspected carjacking involving a 15-year-old suspect, identified as Christian Simmons of Lilburn. Investigators believe Tejada was forced from his vehicle and left in the roadway. As with any pending case involving a juvenile suspect, these remain allegations that have not been tested in court.
What Surveillance Footage Showed
Surveillance footage from a nearby Ring camera recorded a black SUV arriving at approximately 4:30 a.m. The video shows the vehicle stopping, the trunk opening, and the driver exiting. After several minutes, the SUV drives away. Additional footage captured about 15 minutes later shows the same vehicle briefly returning to the area before leaving again.
Police arrested Simmons several hours later. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue piecing together the sequence of events leading up to the killing.
Remembering Cesar Tejada
In an online fundraiser, Tejada’s family described him as the foundation of their household — a devoted husband, a caring father to two children, and someone known for his calm demeanor and quiet life centered on work and family. Family members emphasized that he avoided conflict and focused on earning an honest living.
A neighbor told local media that his father discovered Tejada’s body while driving to work early that morning, a discovery that shocked the community, particularly given the young age of the suspect involved.
The killing has drawn renewed attention to the risks rideshare drivers face, especially during overnight hours and holidays. Tejada’s family continues to mourn his loss while seeking support through the fundraiser, remembering him as a man whose daily goal was simply to care for those at home who depended on him.