Guitarist for pioneering death metal group killed in police shootout at his home in San Francisco

Police shot and killed Brian Montana, the original guitarist for death metal act Possessed, in a shootout in San Francisco this week.

According to The Daily Journal, the episode began around 6 p.m. on April 28, when Montana became angry over his neighbor’s leaves and tree branches falling into his yard. An argument between the two escalated, leading Montana to fire multiple weapons, including a handgun, a shotgun and a rifle.

Montana began firing on police when they arrived, using vehicles in his driveway and landscaping for concealment. The standoff lasted for nearly half an hour before two officers returned fire and struck Montana.

“[Montana] fired multiple times at officers using a handgun, shotgun, and rifle … Officers used patrol cars as cover and returned fire,” the South San Francisco Police Department said in a statement. “The suspect was struck and ultimately pronounced deceased at the scene.”

Montana was 60.

District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said, “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.”

Montana’s time in Possessed was brief. The band, considered one of the first groups in the death metal genre, was founded in San Francisco and eventually settled into a quartet that featured Montana and Mike Torrao on electric guitar, drummer Mike Sus and bass guitar player and singer Jeff Becera.

The group became an active part of the San Francisco thrash metal scene and released the three-song demo Death Metal in 1984. Opening slots for leading groups like Metallica and Exodus brought them to the attention of Metal Blade Records head Brian Slagel, who put their song “Swing of the Axe” on the compilation disc Metal Massacre VI.

Montana left following its release due to differences with Torrao.

"Torrao had a terrible attitude problem and wouldn’t stop ragging at me, Montana told Voices From the Darkside in an interview. “He was like some senile old lady that just wouldn’t shut up. He had a problem with my image. 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.”

The “SSFPD said it will release additional information from the shooting, including audio and video recordings. “Anyone with information that may assist in this investigation is encouraged to contact the South San Francisco Police Department.

"This investigation is still active. Information could change as the investigation continues."