Early Death Metal Icon Dies in Gunfight with South San Francisco Officers

White roses on a polished wooden casket outdoors.

Former death metal guitarist Brian Montana died in a police shootout that began over a neighborhood dispute about tree trimmings in South San Francisco.

Quick Takes

60-year-old Brian Montana, a former guitarist for pioneering death metal band Possessed, was killed in a 25-minute standoff with police on April 28th, 2025
The incident started as a dispute with a neighbor over tree branches before escalating to Montana firing multiple weapons at civilians and police
Montana used three different firearms (handgun, shotgun, and rifle) while taking cover behind vehicles during the extended firefight
A neighbor was injured with non-life-threatening wounds during the incident
Alcohol was reportedly a factor in Montana’s behavior according to investigators

Yard Dispute Escalates to Deadly Confrontation

What began as a disagreement between neighbors over tree trimmings in South San Francisco’s Rancho Buri Buri neighborhood quickly spiraled into a deadly confrontation on April 28th, 2025. Brian Joseph Montana, 60, a former guitarist for the pioneering death metal band Possessed, reportedly became agitated over an incident involving overhanging tree branches that crossed property lines. South San Francisco police responded to the scene at 5:52 pm after receiving reports that Montana was shooting into an occupied home.

According to police reports, Montana had initially pulled a gun on a neighbor during their dispute before police arrived. When officers attempted to intervene, Montana began firing at them, forcing them to take cover behind their patrol vehicles. The confrontation then developed into a prolonged 25-minute shootout in the otherwise quiet residential area, with Montana employing multiple weapons against responding officers.

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

Armed with Multiple Weapons

During the extended standoff, Montana demonstrated that he was heavily armed and prepared to engage in a significant firefight with 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 the South San Francisco Police Department in their official report on the incident.

“Officers used police vehicles as cover from the barrage of gunfire and were able to return fire,” said SSFPD.

Throughout the confrontation, Montana repeatedly changed positions, taking cover behind parked vehicles and landscaping features while continuing to fire at officers. Two officers eventually returned fire, striking Montana, who was pronounced dead at the scene. One neighbor was injured during the shootout but sustained only non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities later indicated that alcohol appeared to be a factor in Montana’s behavior.

Community Response and Official Investigation

The violent incident has left neighbors in the normally peaceful South San Francisco community stunned. Local resident Cory David expressed the sense of tragedy felt throughout the neighborhood: “It’s tragic that even that individual, again, he tried to resolve a situation the wrong way.” The community is now left grappling with how a minor dispute over yard maintenance could escalate to such deadly consequences.

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

The South San Francisco Police Department, in conjunction with the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office, has launched a thorough investigation into the officer-involved shooting. The two officers who discharged their weapons have been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure in such cases. The department has announced plans to release additional information, including audio and video recordings of the incident, as the investigation progresses.

Metal Community Mourns Pioneer

Montana was a member of the death metal band Possessed during its formative years from 1983-1984. The band is widely credited with pioneering the death metal genre and influencing countless metal musicians. Following news of Montana’s death, the band acknowledged his passing on social media with a brief statement: “Possessed RIP Brian Montana.” Music fans across the country have expressed shock at the violent end to the life of a musician who helped shape an influential genre of American music.

President Trump’s administration has not yet commented on the incident, though it comes amid ongoing national conversations about police responses to mental health crises and the role of firearms in neighborhood disputes. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of how quickly conflicts can escalate when weapons are involved and the critical importance of de-escalation in community policing efforts.