Former Possessed guitarist Brian Montana died during an armed standoff with police in South San Francisco on Monday, April 28. The 60-year-old reportedly became enraged over a dispute with a neighbor regarding tree debris, leading to him firing multiple shots. The neighbor sustained a non-life-threatening injury. When police arrived, Montana allegedly opened fire, prompting a 25-minute exchange that ended when officers returned fire, resulting in fatally shooting him. Authorities stated that alcohol was a contributing factor in Montana’s actions.
Montana was an early member of the death metal outfit Possessed from 1983 to 1984. The band responded via Instagram stories with a brief message. Earlier today (2nd), the band issued the following statement:
“I just feel like people should know that Brian Montana was a very nice guy. He was jovial and a gentleman. He was into martial arts and he was an excellent guitar player. Brian was always cracking jokes and he was a good person. Although we weren’t in touch often and more than a phone call here and there. The Brian I know is from when we were still just kids back in the beginning of Possessed. He was nothing like what I’m seeing being written about him. In fact, I think that’s one of the reasons that led to him leaving Possessed. He just wasn’t willing to be as dark as we wanted him to be at that time. We were going for that evil imagery, and Brian was just so lighthearted, even goofy in a good way. He was obviously going through some struggles and I think this is the time to be respectful towards the Montana family and friends as this is a tragic time for them. I’m sure there’s a lot more to this story but that would be up to Brian’s family to tell or not to tell. I know that I still feel this is a great loss and I’m deeply saddened.”
South San Francisco Police Department issued the following statement on the fatal incident:
“*** This investigation is still active. Information could change as the investigation continues. ***
South San Francisco Police Department in conjunction with the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office is actively investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred on April 28, 2025 at about 5:52 pm. at a home on the 300 block of Arroyo Drive. South San Francisco Police Department received a 911 call regarding an active disturbance where a suspect was brandishing a firearm at a neighbor on the 300 block of Arroyo Drive. Officers began arriving on scene at 5:55 pm and immediately requested additional units because the suspect with the firearm was now actively shooting into an occupied residence. The suspect then re-positioned himself into a driveway of that neighboring residence and concealed his location behind parked vehicles while still armed. Over the next 25 minutes, the suspect armed himself with three different types of firearms (handgun, shotgun, and rifle) and fired at officers from different locations within the driveway while seeking cover and concealment using both vehicles in the driveway and landscaping. Officers used police vehicles as cover from the barage of gunfire and were able to return fire. Officers were able to strike the suspect, effectively preventing him from continued shooting at officers and nearby residences. Once the suspect was confirmed he was no longer a threat to officers, an approach to take him into custody was made and he was found to be non-responsive. Life saving measures were performed and medical personnel were called to the scene. The suspect succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. One resident from the home that the suspect was shooting at sustained a non-life threatening injury and was transported to a local trauma hospital. Nearby residences were also checked and officers confirmed no one else was injured. No officers were injured during this critical incident. We are able to confirm there are two officers who fired their weapons. Both officers have been placed on paid administrative leave, as is customary in Officer Involved Shooting protocols. In the coming weeks, we intend to release additional information, including audio and video recordings. Anyone with information that may assist in this investigation is encouraged to contact the South San Francisco Police Department.”
The full statement released by the South San Francisco Police Department can be found at this location.
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