Ex-Guitarist of Possessed Fatally Shot by Police Following Gunfight Outside Home in California

Brian Montana, previously a guitarist with the pioneering California death metal band Possessed was killed by armed law enforcement in San Francisco after a conflict with a neighbor escalated on April 28. Montana was 60 years old.

In 1983/84, Montana performed with Possessed, and was also part of their 1984 demo tape. Death Metal, From which leader of Metal Blade Records did the song originate? Swinging of the Ax The first song on the 1985 compilation album from his record company. Metal Massacre VI. The group's iconic first studio release, Seven Churches It was later released by Combat Records in 1985.

Based on law enforcement accounts, Montana died during an armed confrontation with the police. The officers arrived at the scene after receiving calls about gunfire in the region.

A statement issued by the South San Francisco Police Department states:

The South San Francisco Police Department, along with the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office, is currently investigating an incident involving one of their officers who shot someone on April 28, 2025 around 5:52 PM near the 300 block of Arroyo Drive. A distress call came in stating that there was trouble brewing as a person had been waving a gun towards another individual residing nearby on the same street segment. By 5:55 PM, law enforcement personnel started pouring onto the area and promptly called for backup since the gunman appeared to be firing rounds inside a house inhabited by people. Subsequently, this individual moved over to a driveway belonging to a different property within close proximity and hid from view amongst some stationary cars even though he remained equipped with the weapon.

In the following 25 minutes, the assailant equipped himself with three distinct weapons—a handgun, a shotgun, and a rifle—and shot at law enforcement officials from various spots inside the driveway. He sought protection behind cars parked in the driveway and foliage for cover during this time. Police utilized their patrol cars as shields against the continuous stream of bullets and returned fire when possible. They managed to hit the attacker, which halted further attacks on them and neighboring homes. After confirming that the perpetrator posed no more danger, they approached cautiously to arrest him but discovered he wasn’t responsive. Emergency aid procedures were initiated immediately, and emergency responders were summoned to the location. Despite these efforts, the individual died due to severe wounds sustained.

A person residing in the building targeted by the shooter suffered injuries not deemed life-threatening and was taken to a nearby trauma center. Other homes in the vicinity were inspected, with officials confirming that no additional individuals were harmed. Fortunately, none of the law enforcement personnel involved incurred any injuries throughout this serious event.

We can verify that two officers discharged their firearms. As per standard procedure for incidents involving officer-involved shootings, both officers have been put on paid administrative leave.

Over the next few weeks, we plan to share more details, such as audio and video clips. We invite anyone who has information that could aid in this inquiry to reach out to the South San Francisco Police Department.

The police statement also states, "This inquiry remains ongoing. Details might evolve as the investigation progresses."

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