Brian Montana, heavy metal guitarist, dies in shootout with police in California.

A shooting incident in South San Francisco this week has garnered significant attention, as it resulted in the death of Brian Montana, a prominent figure in the heavy metal music scene. Montana, aged 60, was the guitarist for the influential death metal band Possessed, often regarded as trailblazers in the genre.

The confrontation began on Monday around 6 p.m. when Montana reportedly opened fire into a neighbor’s residence, where individuals were present at the time. The South San Francisco Police Department responded to the situation, leading to a standoff during which Montana armed himself with multiple firearms, including a handgun, rifle, and shotgun. The ensuing exchange of gunfire took place in the front yard of his residence, with both the police and Montana utilizing cars as cover.

Authorities reported that Montana was declared deceased at the scene following the exchange of gunfire. One neighbor sustained a non-life-threatening injury from a grazing bullet and was subsequently hospitalized. Witness accounts suggest that the conflict may have originated from a dispute related to tree trimmings falling into Montana’s yard, indicating a possible escalation from a neighborhood disagreement to a tragic outcome.

In light of the incident, the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office has opened an investigation to assess the specific circumstances surrounding the standoff and shooting. Given the alarming rise in gun-related incidents in residential areas, this event highlights ongoing concerns regarding violence and public safety.

Montana, who was a founding member of Possessed, departed from the band in 1985 following internal disputes with fellow guitarist Mike Torrao. The band disbanded in 1987 but attempted several reunions over the years without Montana. Notably, the band’s frontman, Jeff Becerra, was paralyzed in an unrelated shooting incident in 1989, casting a long shadow over the group’s history.

The official social media accounts for Possessed confirmed Montana’s death, signaling a deep loss for the heavy metal community. As the investigation continues, this tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding personal disputes and the potential consequences that can arise in volatile situations.