OTF Boona’s arrest for a brutal murder has sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community, raising questions about violence and loyalty in the world of Chicago rap. Michael L. Golden, known as OTF Boona, was taken into custody on August 2, 2025, in Gwinnett County, Georgia, facing charges of murder, kidnapping, home invasion, and aggravated assault.
Authorities allege that Boona kidnapped Oscar “OZ” Cruz from his Lawrenceville home, bound his hands with duct tape, and shot him 17 times, leaving his body in front of a church in Snellville. The grim discovery was made at 6 a.m. on July 23, 2025.
Boona, a close associate of rapper Lil Durk and a member of the OTF (Only The Family) collective, has been a visible figure in the group’s inner circle. Often described as the “muscle” for Durk, he gained attention earlier this year for stepping in when a fan approached the rapper at a festival. Boona also appeared on OTF’s compilation album Loyal Bros, released in March 2025, showcasing his ties to the Chicago rap scene.
This isn’t Boona’s first brush with the law. In 2021, he was arrested for his alleged role in a shooting at Atlanta’s Cumberland Mall, where four people, including a six-year-old boy, were injured. Charged with aggravated assault with intent to murder, Boona reportedly dropped his phone at the scene, which helped police link him to the crime. He was on parole for that case and nearing the end of his term when this latest arrest occurred.
The details of the recent crime are chilling. Prosecutors say Boona entered Cruz’s home, kidnapped him, and transported him to Snellville, where the fatal shooting took place. The motive remains unclear, and little is known about Cruz or his connection to Boona. Online discussions have sparked speculation, with some questioning the circumstances of the crime, but no verified details have emerged to explain why it happened.
The OTF Boona arrest has stirred strong reactions, especially among fans of OTF and Lil Durk. Social media platforms like X are buzzing with comments, some expressing disbelief at the brutality of the alleged crime, while others rally behind Boona with hashtags like #FreeOTF. The case has also reignited debates about violence in hip-hop, with critics pointing to a troubling pattern of legal issues among OTF members.
