Tragic Shooting Claims Life of Aspiring Rapper Lil OT in Burlington Mall Parking Lot

Burlington, Ont. – February 12, 2026 – Halton Regional Police continue their search for two male suspects following the fatal shooting of 24-year-old Omer Niaz Muhammad, known in the music scene as rapper Lil OT, in the parking lot of Burlington Centre Mall late Monday night. The incident, which marks Burlington’s first homicide of the year, unfolded in what authorities describe as a targeted attack with a “complete disregard for public safety.”

thespec.com

Former Hamilton rapper lil OT killed in Burlington shooting

Officers responded to reports of gunfire at the mall, located at 777 Guelph Line near Fairview Street, shortly after 10:10 p.m. on February 9. Muhammad, a Burlington resident originally from Hamilton, was shot multiple times in the upper body and rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police confirmed the two suspects fled the scene in a white SUV, and no arrests have been made as the investigation intensifies.

burlingtontoday.com

Rapper Lil OT shot and killed outside Burlington Centre restaurant – BurlingtonToday.com

Muhammad, who performed under the stage name Lil OT, was an emerging independent rapper with thousands of followers on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube. His music videos and tracks, often posted under handles associated with “dirtynorth,” showcased his style in Canada’s underground rap scene. Tragically, this was not his first brush with gun violence—he had survived a drive-by shooting at his family’s Hamilton home in 2023, where more than 50 shots were fired, according to local reports.

hot97.com

Canadian Rapper Lil OT Shot & Killed At 24

An eyewitness, who spoke to CP24 on condition of anonymity, described hearing three shots and commotion while inside a nearby restaurant. He rushed out and attempted to aid Muhammad, who appeared to have been shot in the neck, by applying pressure to the wounds until first responders arrived. The witness recalled seeing one individual he believed was involved entering a black SUV as a white SUV sped away simultaneously. When shown photos of Muhammad from social media by reporter Beatrice Vaisman, the man confirmed it was the artist known as Lil OT.

cp24.com

Lil OT identified as victim of deadly shooting outside Burlington mall

Halton police spokesperson Const. Jeff Dillon emphasized during a Tuesday press conference that the shooting occurred in an open parking lot near Kelsey’s restaurant, posing risks to bystanders. “We do believe this was a targeted incident and we do not believe there is any known risk to public safety,” Dillon said, though he noted the reckless nature of firing in a public space. Forensics teams processed the scene amid snowy conditions, documenting evidence around a damaged white sedan believed to be connected to the victim.

burlingtontoday.com

UPDATE: Man fatally shot in Burlington Centre parking lot is identified – BurlingtonToday.com

The Burlington Centre parking lot was cordoned off with yellow police tape as officers from the Halton force, including a mobile command unit, worked through the night. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and canvassing the area for additional witnesses. The mall, a busy shopping hub, had just closed for the evening when the attack occurred, heightening community concerns about safety in public spaces.

cp24.com

Lil OT identified as victim of deadly shooting outside Burlington mall

Muhammad’s death has sent shockwaves through Hamilton’s music community, where he had built a following with his raw lyrics and energetic performances. Online tributes have poured in, with fans mourning the loss of a promising talent cut short. Police have not released a motive but described the incident as targeted, prompting speculation about possible links to past conflicts or the competitive nature of the rap scene.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Halton police or Crime Stoppers anonymously. As the probe continues, this senseless killing underscores ongoing issues with gun violence in the Greater Toronto Area suburbs.

(Word count: 705)

burlingtontoday.com

UPDATE: Man fatally shot in Burlington Centre parking lot is identified – BurlingtonToday.com