Former Possessed Guitarist Brian Montana Killed in Police Shootout After Violent Standoff in South San Francisco

Death metal guitarist Brian Montana (left) died in a shootout with police.

Brian Montana, 60, an original guitarist for the influential Bay Area death metal band Possessed, was shot and killed by police in South San Francisco following a violent standoff that began with a dispute over tree debris. The confrontation occurred on Monday, April 28, on the 300 block of Arroyo Drive and escalated into a gun battle that left one resident injured and the neighborhood temporarily locked down.

Authorities reported that the incident began when Montana became enraged at a neighbor over debris from a nearby tree. Multiple 911 calls were made around 5:52 p.m., reporting an armed man threatening a resident. By the time officers arrived, Montana had already fired several rounds into an occupied home and was using landscaping features and parked vehicles for cover while actively exchanging gunfire with police.

According to the South San Francisco Police Department, Montana repositioned into a neighboring driveway during the standoff and opened fire on officers using a handgun, shotgun, and rifle. Officers responded using their patrol vehicles for cover. Two officers returned fire, striking Montana. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. A neighbor sustained a graze wound during the incident and was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Montana reportedly hid behind cars during the shootout.

In accordance with departmental protocol, both officers involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave pending the results of an investigation by the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office.

Montana was best known in the metal music scene for his early contributions to Possessed, a band widely credited with creating the death metal genre. He joined the group in 1983 after answering a classified ad from founding members Mike Torrao and Mike Sus. Montana played on the band’s 1984 “Death Metal” demo, which helped define the genre’s name and sound. Although he departed before the release of the group’s seminal debut album Seven Churches, Montana was instrumental in Possessed’s formation and initial live performances.

The current incarnation of the Bay Area death metal band Possessed. Brian Montana, an early guitarist, was shot and killed by police in South San Francisco this week after a heated dispute with a neighbor turned into a prolonged and violent gun battle.

In a past interview, Montana reflected on his time with the band and the creative tensions that led to his exit. “I left the band because Torrao had a terrible attitude problem,” he said. “He was always ragging on me to wear an upside-down crucifix and be satanic.” He also noted that while the band was still playing in garages, they spent a great deal of time together developing their identity.

Despite his short tenure, Montana’s influence on the early death metal movement remains significant. Possessed’s legacy endured, inspiring numerous acts within the genre. In a separate tragedy, frontman Jeff Becerra was paralyzed in a 1989 shooting but made headlines in 2021 when he walked again using robotic assistance. The band acknowledged Montana’s death with a brief tribute via social media on May 1.