Overview

• Brian Montana, founding guitarist of the influential death metal band Possessed, was killed in a police standoff on April 28, 2025.
• The conflict began over tree debris from a neighbor's yard, escalating into a 25-minute armed confrontation involving multiple firearms.
• Montana fired at South San Francisco police from various positions using a handgun, shotgun, and rifle; officers returned fire, fatally striking him.
• One resident suffered a graze wound and was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries during the incident.
• The San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office is investigating the officers' use of force, with both officers placed on paid administrative leave.