(ProsperNews.net) – Former death metal guitarist Brian Montana died in a police shootout after a neighborhood dispute over tree clippings escalated into a 25-minute standoff with officers in South San Francisco.
At a Glance
- Brian Montana, 60, former guitarist for pioneering death metal band Possessed, was killed in an armed confrontation with police on April 28th, 2025
- The incident began as a dispute with a neighbor over tree branches before Montana armed himself with three different firearms
- During the 25-minute standoff, Montana fired multiple times at officers and a neighbor was injured with non-life-threatening wounds
- Police returned fire, resulting in Montana’s death at the scene
- Alcohol was reportedly a factor in Montana’s behavior during the incident
Neighborhood Dispute Turns Deadly
South San Francisco police responded to a disturbance call in the Rancho Buri Buri neighborhood at 5:52 pm on April 28th, where they discovered Brian Montana shooting into an occupied residence. The confrontation allegedly began over a dispute about an overhanging tree that Montana had cut back, crossing property lines. What started as a disagreement between neighbors over yard maintenance rapidly deteriorated into an armed standoff that would claim Montana’s life. According to reports, alcohol may have played a significant role in Montana’s erratic and aggressive behavior during the incident.
Montana, who played guitar for the pioneering death metal band Possessed from 1983-84, allegedly armed himself with multiple weapons after the dispute escalated. The 60-year-old musician pulled a gun on a neighbor before police arrived at the scene. When law enforcement attempted to intervene, Montana refused to surrender and instead opened fire, forcing officers to take defensive positions as the situation quickly spiraled into a dangerous armed confrontation in the residential neighborhood.
Armed Standoff with Police
When officers arrived at the scene, Montana allegedly took cover behind parked vehicles and landscaping elements while engaging in a prolonged firefight. According to the South San Francisco Police Department, Montana utilized three different firearms during the standoff – a handgun, shotgun, and rifle. The exchange of gunfire continued for approximately 25 minutes as officers sheltered behind patrol cars for protection from the barrage of bullets.
“Officers used police vehicles as cover from the barrage of gunfire and were able to return fire.” – SSFPD.
During the shootout, a neighbor was struck and injured but survived with non-life-threatening wounds. Two officers ultimately returned fire, striking Montana. Despite emergency medical attention, Montana was pronounced dead at the scene. The officers involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure following such incidents. No officers were injured during the confrontation despite the sustained gunfire from multiple weapons.
Investigation and Community Response
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. Authorities have indicated that additional information, including audio and video recordings from the incident, will be released as the investigation progresses. The police department has emphasized that the investigation remains active and that information may change as more details emerge.
“This investigation is still active. Information could change as the investigation continues.” – South San Francisco Police Department.
Neighbor Cory David expressed the sentiment felt by many in the community about the tragic nature of the incident. The death metal community has also reacted to the news, with Montana’s former band Possessed acknowledging his passing on social media with the brief statement “Possessed RIP Brian Montana.” The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly neighborhood disputes can escalate to deadly confrontations when firearms and heightened emotions are involved, particularly in residential settings where innocent bystanders may be at risk.
Copyright 2025, ProsperNews.netÂ
