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# Original POSSESSED Guitarist BRIAN MONTANA Killed In Police Shootout In San Francisco
- URL: https://www.thisdayinmetal.com/original-possessed-guitarist-brian-montana-killed-in-police-shootout-in-san-francisco/
- Published: 2025-05-01T17:41:44.000Z
- Updated: 2025-05-01T17:41:44.000Z
- Author: Metalhead Marv
- Tags: News, Possessed

**Brian Montana**, original guitarist for death metal pioneers **Possessed**, was killed by police in San Francisco. Authorities report the shooting occurred after a dispute with a neighbor led to **Montana** firing weapons. He was 60\. His contributions include the band’s influential 1984 ***Death Metal*** demo.

### **Details of the Incident**

**Brian Montana**, a foundational figure in the early days of the legendary death metal band **Possessed**, **was killed** during a shootout with police earlier this week in South San Francisco. The incident marks a tragic end for the musician who contributed significantly to the genre’s formation.

According to a report from [The Daily Journal](https://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/local/neighbor-dispute-over-tree-leads-to-fatal-ssf-shooting/article%5F280e619d-ef3c-4e46-83a1-cb2148b617aa.html?ref=thisdayinmetal.com), the fatal event occurred on Monday, April 28\. It began with a dispute between **Montana** and his neighbor concerning tree branches and leaves falling into **Montana**‘s yard. The situation escalated, prompting a police dispatch after **Montana** allegedly threatened the neighbor with a firearm.

#### **Police Response and Fatal Shooting**

When officers arrived at the scene, **Montana** was reportedly firing multiple weapons towards the neighbor’s home. Authorities state that **Montana**then directed his fire towards the responding police officers from his driveway, using vehicles and landscaping for cover. Officers returned fire, and **Brian Montana was killed** at the scene. He was 60 years old. His neighbor sustained a non-life-threatening graze wound and received treatment at a local hospital. No police officers were injured.

#### **Official Statements**

Local authorities publicly confirmed **Montana**’s identity the day after the incident. Confirming details, District Attorney **Steve Wagstaffe** stated: “On the shooter’s side, there was some alcohol involved. His death is a tragedy, but it’s fortunate that nobody else wasn’t hit or injured more seriously.” The circumstances surrounding **Brian Montana being killed** highlight a neighborhood dispute turning violent.

**Brian Montana** became part of **Possessed** in 1983, answering a flyer posted by founding members **Mike Torrao** and **Mike Sus**. His guitar work was crucial on the band’s highly influential 1984 demo, ***Death Metal*** – a recording that famously lent its name to the burgeoning musical genre.

“I was the original guitarist besides **Torrao**, so when I joined we were still just a garage band; didn’t even have our first gig yet,” **Montana** recalled in an interview with Voices From the Darkside. “After we started playing the clubs, we bonded more and had a lot more fun with it.” **Montana**’s tenure with **Possessed** was short-lived; he departed later in 1984.

He cited interpersonal conflicts as the reason for leaving. “I left the band because **Torrao** had a terrible attitude problem and wouldn’t stop ragging at me… He didn’t think I was evil enough or something. He was always ragging on me to wear an upside down crucifix and be satanic.” 

Despite his brief involvement, **Montana**‘s contribution was significant, helping establish the sonic foundation for one of death metal’s most revered and pioneering bands.