A targeted shooting in a busy shopping center parking lot has left a young musician dead and police searching for two suspects. The Halton Regional Police Service responded to reports of a shooting at Burlington Centre mall on the evening of February 9, 2026.
Officers were called at approximately 10:10 p.m. to the parking lot of 777 Guelph Line, outside a Kelsey’s restaurant. Police found 24-year-old Omer Niaz Muhammad suffering from a gunshot wound to his upper body. He was transported to the hospital by emergency medical services but was pronounced deceased either on the way or upon arrival.
The victim was publicly identified as Omer Niaz Muhammad, a resident of Burlington. He was better known by his stage name Lil OT, an artist with a growing presence in the Hamilton and Toronto hip-hop scenes. He had released several projects, including the mixtape “JamesVille” and the album “Written in Stone”.
Authorities have stated they believe the shooting was a targeted incident. Preliminary information indicates two suspects fled the scene in a white SUV. No arrests have been made, and the motive, along with any relationship between the victim and suspects, remains under investigation.
This incident marks Burlington’s first homicide of 2026. During a press conference, Constable Jeff Dillon noted the danger of the public setting, stating the gunfire in a wide-open parking lot showed a “rampant disregard” for others who could have been struck. Police reassured the public there is no known ongoing risk to community safety.
The Halton Regional Police Major Crime Bureau is leading the investigation. Detectives are asking anyone with information, or who may have security or dashcam footage from the area of Guelph Line, Prospect Street, and Fairview Street around the time of the incident, to come forward. Tips can be provided to the police directly or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.