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Rising Rapper 'Lor Scoota' Gunned Down In N.E. Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — The murder of a local rapper has stunned his fans and friends in Baltimore and across the Internet. Police continue to search for the gunman who killed 23-year-old Tyriece "Lor Scoota" Watson.

Police say it was a targeted killing -- a cold blooded murder in the middle of a busy Baltimore intersection.

lor scoota, fatal shooting

The car rolled into a liquor store as soon as the shots ended at Moravia and Harford roads in Northeast Baltimore at 7 p.m. Saturday.

"The unknown suspect stepped into the street and opened fire on the victim," said T.J. Smith, Baltimore Police Department.

The suspect may be unknown, but the murder victim is well known to many in Baltimore. Tyriece Watson, 23, went by his rapper name "Lor Scoota." His YouTube account contains songs of the blunt realities of street life.

Lor Scoota Feat. Shy Glizzy - Bird Flu by Lor scoota on YouTube

The murder sparked a brief demonstration Sunday evening to end the violence -- a cause Lor Scoota shared. The performer was a frequent voice at community meetings, asking for calm.

"It appears he was doing some things to change his life and use those experiences to help empower other young people in our city of Baltimore," Smith said.

Just before his murder, he attended the "Touch the People Pray for Peace in These Streets" charity basketball game at Morgan State University.

"The eerie irony that should just absolutely tick all of us off collectively is that he was leaving a peace rally that was held at a local university," said Smith.

Several shots were fired into the rap artist's car. He died at the hospital.

"I am saddened to hear about the senseless murder of Tyrice "Lor Scoota" Watson," said City Councilman Nick Mosby. "He had a heart for youth and took the time out of his schedule to join me on my #EyeAmBaltimore Tour to high schools in West Baltimore following last year's uprising where he spoke about the importance of staying in school."

Also mourning Watson's death is well known American rapper and actor "The Game."

He took to Instagram saying, "Another young one murdered. Just last year the lil homie @scootaupnext was over my left shoulder in the huddle working on#TheDocumentary2 everyday in Los Angeles.

Police call it a targeted hit. Why is unknown, but not the grief of family and friends -- something all too familiar in Baltimore.

"And this revolving door of death is something that's despicable. It's leaving too many mothers to bury their children," said Smith.

The suspect remains unknown and at large, although police say there is video surveillance footage -- but what that video shows is not being released at this time.

Police have talked to some witnesses, but would like to find more.

"The streets are talking and we need those streets to talk to us," said Smith.

Anyone with any information is being urged to call detectives at 410-396-2100 or Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP.

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