Death Metal Pioneer Killed in Shootout with California Police

A dispute over tree branches escalated into a fatal police shootout that claimed the life of former death metal guitarist Brian Montana in South San Francisco, after he unleashed a barrage of gunfire at neighbors and responding officers.

Key Takeaways

Brian Montana, 60, former guitarist for pioneering death metal band Possessed, was killed in a 25-minute armed standoff with police on April 28th, 2025
The incident began as a neighborhood dispute over tree trimmings but escalated when Montana opened fire on a neighbor’s home and then at responding officers
Montana utilized three different firearms (handgun, shotgun, and rifle) during the confrontation, taking cover behind vehicles
One neighbor was wounded in the shootout but is expected to recover; no officers were injured
Alcohol was reportedly a factor in Montana’s behavior during the incident

Neighborhood Dispute Turns Deadly

South San Francisco police responded to calls in the Rancho Buri Buri neighborhood at 5:52 pm on April 28th where they discovered Brian Montana, 60, firing into an occupied residence. The incident reportedly began as a disagreement between neighbors about tree branches and leaves that had crossed property lines after Montana had cut back an overhanging tree. What might have been a minor civic dispute quickly spiraled out of control when Montana, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, armed himself and began shooting.

After arriving at the scene, law enforcement found themselves in immediate danger as Montana redirected his gunfire toward police. During the ensuing standoff, Montana utilized three different weapons – a handgun, shotgun, and rifle – while taking strategic positions behind parked vehicles and landscaping. Officers were forced to use their patrol cars as shields against the continuous gunfire that persisted for nearly half an hour.

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

Police Response and Casualties

The South San Francisco Police Department reported that officers attempted to de-escalate the situation before resorting to lethal force. “Officers used police vehicles as cover from the barrage of gunfire and were able to return fire,” the SSFPD stated. Two officers eventually returned fire, striking Montana, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Following department protocol, both officers involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave while the incident is under investigation.

“[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.

During the chaotic exchange, one neighbor sustained non-life-threatening injuries from gunfire and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Miraculously, no officers were injured in the shootout despite the prolonged exchange of gunfire. The South San Francisco Police Department and the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office have launched a joint investigation into the officer-involved shooting, with plans to release audio and video recordings as the investigation progresses.

Metal Community Mourns Pioneering Musician

Brian Montana was briefly a member of Possessed during 1983-84, one of the pioneering bands in the death metal genre. The band acknowledged his passing with a simple social media post stating “Possessed RIP Brian Montana.” Montana’s involvement, though short-lived, came during a formative period for the extreme metal subgenre that would later influence countless bands worldwide. His musical contributions stand in stark contrast to the violent circumstances of his death.

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

Neighbor Cory David expressed the community’s shock at how rapidly the situation deteriorated: “It’s tragic that even that individual, again, he tried to resolve a situation the wrong way.” The incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly neighborhood disputes can escalate to deadly consequences when firearms and impaired judgment are involved. President Trump’s administration has not yet commented on this specific incident, though it comes amid ongoing national conversations about community policing and dispute resolution.