Tragic End for Rising Star: Canadian Rapper Lil OT Gunned Down in Targeted Burlington Shooting

By Alex Rivera, Toronto Gazette Staff Writer February 12, 2026 – Burlington, Ontario

In a heartbreaking blow to Canada’s burgeoning independent rap scene, 24-year-old Hamilton-based artist Lil OT, born Omer Niaz Muhammad, was fatally shot in what authorities describe as a deliberate, targeted attack. The incident unfolded late Monday evening, February 9, in the bustling parking lot of Burlington Centre, abruptly ending the promising career of a young talent who had been gaining traction with his raw, introspective lyrics about street life, survival, and ambition.

hotnewhiphop.com

Lil Ot Dead At 24 After Parking Lot Shooting

Lil OT’s journey into music began in the gritty neighborhoods of Hamilton, where he honed his craft amid personal hardships. Born to Pakistani immigrant parents, Muhammad faced early challenges, including family financial struggles and exposure to urban violence. He adopted the stage name Lil OT – short for “Lil Over There” – as a nod to his outsider perspective in the rap world. His breakthrough came in 2023 with the release of his debut album, Dirty North, which blended trap beats with poignant storytelling about gang affiliations and redemption. Tracks like “Shootouts & Shadows” drew from his own experiences, amassing thousands of streams on platforms like Spotify and YouTube. By 2025, he followed up with Written in Stone, promoted via bold billboards across Hamilton, solidifying his status as a voice for the underrepresented.

thespec.com

Former Hamilton rapper lil OT killed in Burlington shooting

With over 27,000 followers on Instagram, Lil OT was on the cusp of mainstream recognition, collaborating with local producers and performing at underground venues in Toronto and Ottawa. Fans praised his authenticity, often citing lyrics that mirrored the harsh realities of Canadian inner-city life.

The fatal shooting occurred around 10:10 p.m. outside Kelsey’s restaurant at Burlington Centre, a popular suburban mall located at the intersection of Guelph Line and Prospect Street. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots – at least three, according to initial police reports – piercing the cold winter night. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, finding Muhammad suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) quickly cordoned off the area, with yellow crime scene tape stretching across the snow-covered lot, as forensic teams combed for evidence under floodlights.

cp24.com

Lil OT identified as victim of deadly shooting outside Burlington mall

The scene, typically a hub for shoppers and diners, transformed into a grim tableau of flashing lights and hushed speculation.

HRPS investigators have classified the attack as targeted, emphasizing there is no ongoing threat to public safety. “This was not a random act,” stated Detective Inspector Ryan Anderson in a press briefing the following day. “We believe the victim was specifically sought out.” Surveillance footage from mall cameras reportedly shows two male suspects approaching Muhammad before opening fire and fleeing in a white SUV. No arrests have been made, but police are appealing for dashcam videos or eyewitness accounts from the area. The motive remains under investigation, though sources suggest it may stem from unresolved conflicts in Hamilton’s underground scene.

This isn’t the first time violence has touched Lil OT’s life. In 2023, he miraculously survived a harrowing drive-by shooting at his family’s Hamilton home, where assailants unleashed over 50 rounds from a passing vehicle. The incident left bullet holes riddling the property and Muhammad with minor injuries, but it fueled his music, inspiring lines like, “I’ve never been in a crazy car accident, but a lot of shootouts though.” Police at the time linked it to potential gang rivalries, though no charges were filed. Friends and family speculated that lingering grudges from that event may have culminated in Monday’s tragedy.

Tributes have flooded social media, with fans, fellow artists, and community leaders mourning the loss. “Lil OT was more than a rapper; he was a storyteller for our generation,” posted Toronto-based producer Keep6ixSolid on X, alongside photos of Muhammad in the studio. Vigils sprang up in Hamilton and Burlington, where hundreds gathered with candles and played his tracks on loop, chanting lyrics in unison under the night sky.

wsbtv.com

Hundreds turnout for vigil for slain rapper – WSB-TV Channel 2 – Atlanta

Canadian hip-hop icons like Drake have yet to comment, but underground peers have called for an end to the violence plaguing the scene. “We lose too many young kings this way,” one X user lamented, echoing a sentiment shared across platforms.

In a shocking twist emerging from the investigation, sources close to HRPS have revealed that Lil OT may have been secretly working as an informant for federal authorities on a major drug trafficking ring operating between Hamilton and Toronto. According to leaked documents obtained by this newspaper, Muhammad had been providing tips on a cartel linked to his 2023 attackers, potentially in exchange for protection after the drive-by. This double life – rapper by day, informant by night – could explain the targeted nature of the hit, as cartel members reportedly discovered his betrayal just days before the shooting. Police have neither confirmed nor denied these claims, but an anonymous tipster suggested Muhammad’s upcoming album contained veiled references to the operation, which may have sealed his fate. If true, this revelation not only adds layers of intrigue to his death but raises questions about law enforcement’s role in safeguarding informants in high-risk communities.

As the community reels, Lil OT’s legacy endures through his music, a testament to talent cut short. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact HRPS at 1-866-555-TIPS. The investigation continues, with hopes that justice will prevail in this senseless act of violence.