Brian Montana, a former guitarist with legendary California death metal band Possessed, was shot and killed by police in South San Francisco after an armed stand-off on April 28, 2025. He was 60 years old.
Authorities say the deadly confrontation began with a dispute involving a neighbor and escalated into gunfire directed at nearby homes and officers. Montana was pronounced dead at the scene.
Montana’s Musical Legacy
Montana played with Possessed in 1983 and 1984, contributing to the band’s 1984 demo tape Death Metal. This demo became historic when the track “Swing of the Axe” was selected as the opening song for Metal Massacre VI, a compilation released by Metal Blade Records in 1985.
Although Montana was no longer with Possessed by the time they released their landmark debut album Seven Churches later in 1985, his early contributions helped shape the death metal genre.
What Led to the Police Shooting?
According to the South San Francisco Police Department (SSFPD), officers responded to a 911 call around 5:52 p.m. on April 28 reporting that a man was brandishing a firearm at a neighbor on Arroyo Drive.
Officers arrived within minutes and found the suspect, later confirmed to be Montana, firing into an occupied home. He then took cover behind vehicles in a nearby driveway and began firing at police officers using a handgun, shotgun, and rifle over the next 25 minutes.
Police vehicles were used as shields during the exchange. Officers returned fire and ultimately struck Montana, ending the shootout.
No Officers Injured, One Civilian Hurt
Montana was declared dead at the scene after life-saving efforts failed. One person in the targeted home suffered a non-life-threatening injury and was taken to a local trauma center.
No officers were hurt, and nearby homes were searched to ensure no other residents were injured.
Officers on Leave, Investigation Ongoing
The police department confirmed that two officers discharged their weapons. Both have been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure during investigations into officer-involved shootings.
The department also stated that more details, including body camera footage, would be released in the coming weeks. The case is being jointly investigated by SSFPD and the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.