Bullet casings at a crime scene-stock photo

Shell casings — Bullet casings at a crime scene-stock photo

Lilburn, GA – A 15-year-old has been charged as an adult with murder following the fatal shooting of an Uber driver early Thursday morning. Christian Simmons allegedly targeted 58-year-old Cesar Tejada while making a ride request.

Tejada’s wife, Evelyn, stated on a GoFundMe page that her husband was simply trying to earn extra money for their family. Capt. Dena Pauly of the Lawrenceville Police Department revealed details of the incident during a press conference.

At 4:13 a.m., Tejada picked up Simmons on Rangewood Drive and subsequently drove him to a location on Groveland Parkway. Surveillance footage captured Simmons exiting the backseat, approaching the front door, and shooting Tejada in the back before abandoning his body in the street.

After the shooting, Simmons allegedly left in Tejada’s vehicle. He returned to the neighborhood where he shot Tejada about ten minutes later.

Pauly indicated that Simmons showed no apparent remorse. He allegedly did not know Tejada before the ride.

Using Uber tracking information and Flock camera technology, police located the vehicle in the same neighborhood where Simmons had been picked up. Authorities observed Simmons walking from a nearby home and apprehended him.

Simmons is currently being held without bond and awaits his next court appearance.

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