Former metal guitarist Brian Montana died in a police shootout after a dispute with a neighbor over tree trimmings escalated into a deadly half-hour standoff involving multiple firearms.
Key Takeaways
- Brian Montana, 60, former guitarist for death metal band Possessed, was killed during a shootout with police in South San Francisco on April 28th, 2025.
- The incident began as a dispute with a neighbor over tree branches and leaves before Montana began firing 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 during the incident but sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
- Alcohol was reportedly a factor in Montana’s behavior during the confrontation.
Neighborhood Dispute Turns Deadly
What began as a disagreement over tree trimmings in a quiet South San Francisco neighborhood escalated into a fatal confrontation on April 28th, 2025. Brian Montana, a 60-year-old former guitarist for pioneering death metal band Possessed, was killed after engaging in an armed standoff with police officers. The incident occurred in the Rancho Buri Buri neighborhood when South San Francisco police responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 5:52 pm.
According to police reports, Montana had been involved in a dispute with a neighbor regarding overhanging tree branches that crossed property lines. The situation quickly deteriorated when Montana began shooting into an occupied home. When officers arrived at the scene, Montana allegedly opened fire on them, forcing them to take defensive positions behind their patrol vehicles.
Ex-Possessed Guitarist Brian Montana Killed In Armed Standoff With The Police:https://t.co/MTRw6kVTL5 pic.twitter.com/4Afv4xsKZn
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Extended Armed Standoff
The confrontation between Montana and law enforcement lasted approximately 25 minutes. During this time, Montana reportedly used three different firearms – a handgun, shotgun, and rifle – while maneuvering behind parked cars and landscaping for cover. The South San Francisco Police Department confirmed that officers were subjected to a “barrage of gunfire” throughout the standoff.
“Officers used police vehicles as cover from the barrage of gunfire and were able to return fire,” said SSFPD.
Two officers eventually returned fire, striking Montana. He was pronounced dead at the scene. During the exchange of gunfire, one of Montana’s neighbors sustained injuries, though they were reported to be non-life-threatening. The injured neighbor was transported to a local hospital for treatment. No police officers were injured during the incident.
Investigation Underway
The South San Francisco Police Department and the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office have launched an investigation into the officer-involved shooting. The two officers who discharged their weapons have been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure following such incidents. Authorities have indicated that alcohol may have been a contributing factor in Montana’s behavior.
“This investigation is still active. Information could change as the investigation continues,” the South San Francisco Police Department said.
The police department has announced plans to release additional information, including audio and video recordings of the incident, as the investigation progresses. Neighbors expressed shock at the violent outcome of what began as a relatively common dispute. Cory David, a local resident, commented on the tragic nature of the situation, noting that Montana “tried to resolve a situation the wrong way.”
Musical Legacy
Montana was a member of the influential death metal band Possessed from 1983 to 1984. The band, recognized as pioneers in the death metal genre, acknowledged Montana’s passing on social media with a brief statement reading “Possessed RIP Brian Montana.” President Trump’s administration has not yet commented on the incident, which is being handled by local authorities.
“[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,” stated SSFPD.
The incident has sparked discussions about neighborhood disputes, proper conflict resolution, and police response to armed confrontations. Local community members have expressed condolences to all affected by the tragic event, which serves as a stark reminder of how quickly ordinary disagreements can escalate to deadly consequences when firearms are involved.
Sources:
- Ex-Possessed Guitarist Brian Montana Killed In Armed Standoff With The Police – Theprp.com
- 60-Year-Old Man Shot By Police In South San Francisco Is Identified as Death Metal Bandmember
- Death metal pioneer Brian Montana killed in shootout with California cops
