Guitarist Brian Montana Killed in Police Standoff in California

Brian Montana, the founding guitarist of the influential death metal band Possessed, was killed in a shootout with South San Francisco police following a violent dispute with his neighbor over tree trimmings. Police responded after reports that Montana, 60, had threatened his neighbor with a firearm and escalated the situation by firing multiple weapons from his driveway, using vehicles and landscaping for cover. During the confrontation, Montana shot at officers with three types of firearms and was fatally shot by police; one neighbor was also injured but is expected to recover. Authorities noted that alcohol was involved on Montana's part, and described the incident as a tragedy, while expressing relief that no one else was more seriously hurt. Montana's identity was confirmed by police, and his death was acknowledged by Possessed, a pioneering band often credited as godfathers of death metal. Although Montana's tenure with Possessed was brief, he contributed to their early sound and legacy.