‘Possessed’ Death Metal Guitarist Fatally Shot by Police During Gunfight in San Francisco [WATCH]

Police in South San Francisco fatally shot 60-year-old Brian Montana, a guitarist known for his work with the pioneering 1980s death metal band Possessed, after a violent standoff stemming from a dispute with a neighbor over yard debris.

According to the South San Francisco Police Department (SSFPD), officers responded to a 911 call at approximately 5:52 p.m. on Monday after reports came in that a man had brandished a firearm at a neighbor during an argument over tree clippings.

When officers arrived on the scene in the 200 block of Armour Avenue, the situation escalated into a prolonged gun battle that lasted nearly 30 minutes.

Trump’s Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?

Authorities said Montana opened fire on officers using three separate firearms—a handgun, a shotgun, and a rifle—while taking cover behind parked vehicles and nearby landscaping.

The officers used their patrol vehicles as cover and returned fire during the exchange.

“[Montana] fired multiple times at officers using a handgun, shotgun, and rifle,” the department said in a statement.

“Officers used patrol cars as cover and returned fire. The suspect was struck and ultimately pronounced deceased at the scene.”

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

One neighbor sustained non-life-threatening injuries during the exchange of gunfire, police confirmed.

UPDATE: Brian Montana, 60, original guitarist for death metal band Possessed, ID’d as man shot and killed by @SSFPolice after he allegedly opened fire on officers and next-door neighbor’s home in beef over gardening pic.twitter.com/JBvF5tGbpX

— Henry K. Lee (@henrykleeKTVU) May 1, 2025

It is not clear whether the injured person was struck by Montana or hit during the exchange of fire.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported that the initial altercation began over yard waste.

A neighbor allegedly confronted Montana regarding tree clippings, which led to a verbal dispute.

Montana reportedly responded by pulling a firearm, prompting the neighbor to call authorities. The confrontation quickly turned into an armed standoff by the time officers arrived.

The incident is currently under investigation by the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office in cooperation with South San Francisco police.

Authorities have not released the names of the officers involved in the shooting, but confirmed they were placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, as is standard protocol.

Montana was an early member of Possessed, a band often credited with helping shape the death metal genre in the 1980s.

The group’s 1985 debut album Seven Churches is widely cited as one of the first death metal recordings.

The band was part of the early Bay Area thrash and metal scene alongside groups such as Metallica, Death Angel, and Testament.

Montana is now the second member of Possessed to be involved in a shooting.

Jeff Becerra, the band’s original vocalist, was shot twice during a robbery in 1989, an incident that left him paralyzed from the waist down.

That attack was unrelated to Montana’s case.

Possessed has gone through several lineup changes over the years and has continued to release music and perform under different iterations.

No additional injuries were reported among police officers or other bystanders.

The DA’s office has stated that further information will be released following a full review of the body camera footage, witness statements, and forensic analysis.

The shooting has drawn attention both locally and in music communities familiar with Montana’s contributions to the death metal genre.

Connect with Vetted Off-Duty Cops to Instantly Fulfill Your Security Needs

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.