The local music community is mourning the loss of Lil OT, a Hamilton-based artist who died after a targeted shooting late Monday night in Burlington. He was 24 years old.
Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) confirmed that officers responded at approximately 10:10 p.m. on February 9, 2026, to reports of a man who had been shot in the parking lot of Burlington Centre Mall, near 777 Guelph Line, close to Prospect Street and Fairview Street. The victim was transported to the hospital with critical injuries but later succumbed to those injuries and was pronounced deceased.
Police identified the victim as Omer Niaz Muhammad, also known by his stage name Lil OT, a young artist associated with the Hamilton and Toronto hip-hop scene.
Targeted Incident Under Investigation
Investigators believe the shooting was targeted and have stated there is no known ongoing risk to public safety. According to police, two suspects fled the scene in a white SUV, and no arrests have been made at this time.
The Halton Regional Police Major Crime Bureau is leading the investigation. Officers are reviewing CCTV footage and canvassing the area for witnesses as they work to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Police are asking anyone who may have dashcam or security footage from Guelph Line, Prospect Street, or Fairview Street around the time of the incident to come forward.
Remembering Lil OT
Lil OT had been steadily building a following through his music, gaining attention on social media and within Ontario’s underground hip-hop community. Known for his ambition and local presence, he was actively working to grow his brand and artistic voice before his death.
His passing has resonated deeply with fans and fellow artists, particularly given that he had previously survived a separate shooting incident in Hamilton. Many have taken to social media to express shock, grief, and condolences, remembering him as a young artist with potential whose life was cut short far too soon.
Call for Information
If you have any information related to the investigation, please contact the Halton Regional Police Major Crime Bureau at 905-825-4776. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online at haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
As the investigation continues, the loss of Lil OT has left a void in the local music community, highlighting yet again the devastating impact of gun violence on young lives and creative voices.
