Early Death Metal Icon Fatally Shot by Police After Armed Standoff

Three handguns with bullets on a metal surface

Brian Montana, former guitarist for death metal band Possessed, died in a police shootout following a dispute with his neighbor over tree trimmings that spiraled into a half-hour armed standoff in South San Francisco.

Key Takeaways

Brian Montana, 60, former guitarist for pioneering death metal band Possessed, was killed in a shootout with police on April 28th, 2025 in South San Francisco.
The incident began as a dispute with a neighbor over tree trimmings, which escalated when Montana armed himself with multiple weapons.
During the 25-minute standoff, Montana used three different firearms (handgun, shotgun, and rifle) while taking cover behind vehicles.
A neighbor was injured in the shootout and hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities reported alcohol was a factor in Montana’s behavior during the incident.

Neighborhood Dispute Turns Deadly

What began as a common neighborhood disagreement over landscaping ended in tragedy when former Possessed guitarist Brian Montana was fatally shot by police in South San Francisco on April 28th, 2025. The South San Francisco Police Department responded to a call at 5:52 pm in the Rancho Buri Buri neighborhood, where they discovered Montana actively shooting into an occupied home. The initial dispute reportedly involved Montana cutting back an overhanging tree that crossed property lines, a seemingly minor issue that would have devastating consequences.

Authorities later confirmed that alcohol appeared to be a contributing factor in Montana’s behavior. The 60-year-old musician, who briefly played with the pioneering death metal band Possessed in 1983-84, armed himself with multiple weapons after the disagreement escalated. One neighbor was injured during the incident and transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, highlighting the danger posed to the residential community during the armed confrontation.

Ex-Possessed Guitarist Brian Montana Killed In Armed Standoff With The Police:https://t.co/MTRw6kVTL5 pic.twitter.com/4Afv4xsKZn

— Theprp.com (@theprp) May 1, 2025

Extended Armed Standoff

The confrontation quickly intensified into a dangerous standoff between Montana and responding officers. According to police reports, Montana engaged in a 25-minute shootout with law enforcement, using three different firearms – a handgun, shotgun, and rifle – while taking tactical positions behind parked vehicles and landscaping. Officers were forced to use their patrol cars as cover from the continuous gunfire as they attempted to contain the situation and protect nearby residents.

“[Montana] fired multiple times at officers using a handgun, shotgun, and rifle … Officers used patrol cars as cover and returned fire. The suspect was struck and ultimately pronounced deceased at the scene,” said SSFPD.

After nearly half an hour of exchanging gunfire, two officers returned fire, striking Montana. Despite emergency response efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The two officers involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure for officer-involved shootings. No officers were injured during the prolonged confrontation, though the incident left the community shaken.

Investigation and Community Response

The South San Francisco Police Department and the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office have launched an investigation into the officer-involved shooting. In a statement, police officials indicated they plan to release additional information, including audio and video recordings, as the investigation progresses. This transparency is crucial as authorities piece together the exact sequence of events that led to the fatal shooting in this otherwise quiet residential area.

“This investigation is still active. Information could change as the investigation continues,” South San Francisco Police Department stated.

Neighbors expressed shock at how a common dispute could escalate to such violence. Local resident Cory David captured the sentiment of many in the community when he described the situation as tragic, noting Montana “tried to resolve a situation the wrong way.” Meanwhile, the band Possessed acknowledged Montana’s passing with a brief social media tribute, simply stating “Possessed RIP Brian Montana.” The incident stands as a sobering reminder of how quickly disputes can escalate when firearms are involved, regardless of someone’s background or past achievements.