A 15-year-old has been charged with murder in the death of an Uber driver following a carjacking incident early New Year's Day in Lawrenceville. The teen, who is being charged as an adult, was arrested at approximately 1 p.m. at a residence in Lilburn. While the suspect's identity has not been released due to his age, Lawrenceville police have confirmed that he will face adult charges.
At around 5:20 a.m., Lawrenceville officers responded to a distress call in the 600 block of Groveland Parkway. There they found a 58-year-old man, later identified as an Uber driver, lying deceased from a gunshot wound. To actively assist in the investigation, police have been able to track down the victim's vehicle using advanced technology and also obtained footage from a Ring doorbell camera, which showed a black SUV dropping the victim on the street before promptly speeding away, according to a report by FOX 5 Atlanta.
The rideshare company, Uber, expressed their condolences over the incident. In a statement obtained by Atlanta News First, a spokesperson said, "We're saddened by this devastating loss, and our condolences go out to the driver's family during this incredibly difficult time." Uber has also banned the rider account tied to the incident and is collaborating with the Lawrenceville Police Department to aid the investigation, according to WCSC.
A local resident, Hieu Le, recounted the disturbing discovery to Atlanta News First, saying, "I was shivering," Le said. "It was terrifying seeing a lifeless body." Le disclosed how his father, upon finding the body, had urged the family to quickly contact the police. Le also mentioned the emotional toll the event has taken on the neighborhood: "My wife here, she hasn't been able to walk outside and not see the stain," adding, "To see that, to see that could have been somebody's grandfather, father, it's heartbreaking," as noted by WCSC.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have yet to release the identity of the victim or whether a weapon was recovered at the juvenile's residence. The Lawrenceville Police Department continues to encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward and contact them.
