A Chicago rapper’s attempt to carjack a woman turned deadly when she fought back with her legally concealed firearm, leaving the young artist critically wounded. On September 8, 2025, at around 10 a.m., 16-year-old drill rapper Lil Mari, known for his viral track “OK,” was shot four times in the chest, arm, thigh, and groin during a botched carjacking on the city’s South Side near 67th Street and Cregier Avenue in Woodlawn. The 34-year-old woman, a concealed carry license holder, fired back in self-defense after multiple suspects approached her Dodge vehicle, demanding her keys.
She was also injured, sustaining two gunshot wounds to the leg, but drove herself to La Rabida Children’s Hospital for treatment. Lil Mari, whose real name remains unconfirmed by police, rose to local fame with his January 2025 debut project A Reaper’s Diary, which racked up millions of views online. His music, steeped in the raw storytelling of Chicago’s drill rap scene, often reflects the violence of his South Side environment.
Reports suggest he was among several suspects who fled the scene, though some sources indicate he’s now hospitalized in critical condition at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Another 16-year-old, possibly linked to the woman, was also shot three times and is receiving treatment. Police recovered 16 shell casings, pointing to a chaotic exchange of gunfire. The woman’s legal use of her firearm highlights Illinois’ self-defense laws, which allow concealed carry holders to protect themselves if facing imminent harm.
She’s cooperating with investigators, and no charges have been filed against her. The Chicago Police Department is investigating the incident as an attempted robbery and carjacking. Still, it has not officially named Lil Mari or detailed his injuries, leaving social media and local blogs to fill the gaps. Posts on platforms like X have exploded, with thousands praising the woman’s actions while others debate the city’s ongoing struggle with youth violence.
This incident underscores Chicago’s spiking carjacking rates, with over 1,200 reported in 2025, often involving teens from high-crime neighborhoods like Woodlawn. Lil Mari’s social media, filled with images of firearms, has raised questions about illegal gun access among youth, though no prior arrests for such offenses are documented. If apprehended, Lil Mari and his accomplices could face serious charges, including attempted murder and vehicular hijacking, which carry lengthy prison terms.
