A dispute over tree clippings in San Francisco escalated into a deadly police standoff that claimed the life of former death metal guitarist Brian Montana, who opened fire on neighbors and officers with multiple weapons.
At a Glance
- Brian Montana, 60, former guitarist for death metal band Possessed, was killed in an armed standoff with police in South San Francisco on April 28th, 2025
- The incident began as a dispute with a neighbor over tree branches and leaves before Montana opened fire with multiple weapons
- During the 25-minute standoff, Montana used three different firearms (handgun, shotgun, and rifle) while taking cover behind vehicles
- A neighbor was injured in the shootout but survived with non-life-threatening injuries
- Alcohol was reportedly a factor in Montana’s actions
Neighborhood Dispute Turns Deadly
South San Francisco police responded to the Rancho Buri Buri neighborhood at 5:52 pm on April 28th after receiving reports of an active shooter. Upon arrival, officers found Brian Montana, 60, firing into an occupied home. The confrontation reportedly stemmed from a disagreement over an overhanging tree that Montana had cut back, crossing property lines. What began as a common neighborhood dispute over landscaping quickly spiraled into a dangerous armed standoff that would end in tragedy.
Montana, who served as guitarist for influential death metal band Possessed from 1983-84, allegedly brandished multiple weapons during the incident. According to police reports, alcohol may have been a factor in Montana’s behavior, potentially explaining the extreme escalation from a minor property dispute to a lethal confrontation. One neighbor was injured during the shooting and transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Tactical Police Response
When officers arrived at the scene, they encountered a barrage of gunfire from Montana, who had armed himself with three different weapons. The South San Francisco Police Department reported that Montana used tactical positioning, taking cover behind parked vehicles and landscaping while shooting at officers.
The standoff continued for approximately 25 minutes as Montana alternated between a handgun, shotgun, and rifle to target police.
Officers strategically positioned their patrol vehicles for protection as Montana continued firing. Eventually, two officers returned fire, striking Montana. Despite immediate life-saving measures, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Neither officer involved in the shooting was injured, and both have been placed on paid administrative leave as is standard procedure following an officer-involved shooting.
Investigation Ongoing
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 plan to release additional information, including audio and video recordings, as the investigation progresses. The incident has raised questions about escalation of neighborhood disputes and appropriate police response protocols in potentially volatile situations.
The band Possessed acknowledged Montana’s passing on social media with a brief statement saying “Possessed RIP Brian Montana.” Montana was a significant figure in the early death metal scene during his time with the influential band. Neighbor Cory David commented on the tragic nature of the situation, noting: “It’s tragic that even that individual, again, he tried to resolve a situation the wrong way.” The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly ordinary disputes can escalate into deadly confrontations when firearms are involved.
