Police cars and emergency vehicles at the scene of a gun battle.
Share this @internewscast.com

A FAMOUS guitarist has been killed after he was gunned down in a police stand-off following a drunken neighbor row about tree trimmings.

The artist grabbed three guns and opened fire on California cops in a driveway on Monday after things escalated between him and his neighbor.

Police cars and emergency vehicles at the scene of a gun battle.
A famous guitarist has been killed after he was gunned down in a police stand-off following a drunken neighbor row about tree trimmingsCredit: KGO
Police officers at a crime scene after a shootout.
The artist grabbed three guns and opened fire on California cops in a driveway on Monday after things escalated between him and his neighborCredit: KGO

Police later identified their suspect as Brian Montana, an original guitarist for Possessed.

Possessed is a death metal band based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Montana died at age 60 after a 25-minute stand-off between him and the South San Francisco Police Department on Monday evening.

The former guitarist was armed with a handgun, shotgun and rifle, according to police.

He used the firearms to shoot at the cops from a driveway, seeking cover behind two parked cars and landscaping.

The cops used their own cars to take cover and then returned fire.

Montana lost his life during a confrontation, as explained by Stephen Wagstaffe, the district attorney for San Mateo County, to The U.S. Sun. The conflict began due to a dispute with his neighbor over branches that had fallen into his yard.

Wagstaffe confirmed that Montana had been drinking.

“When you have anger, tequila and guns, that’s a recipe for disaster,” he said.

He explained how Montana was angry at his neighbor, whose wife was good friends with Montana’s wife, and decided to grab his guns.

While the neighbor was inside his own house grabbing his guns, Montana grazed him with a bullet that he shot through the door.

The cops were called and Montana immediately started shooting at them once they arrived.

It was a “small little thing that turned into a bonfire,” Wagstaffe said.

BAND PAYS TRIBUTE

Possessed paid tribute to Montana following his death.

“Very tragic news,” the band wrote on their Instagram story.

Weezer bassist Scott Shriner’s wife Jillian Lauren shot by police after ‘pointing handgun at cops’ in chaotic scenes

They added: “Our sympathies to the Montana family and friends.”

Possessed, known as the godfathers of death metal, was created in 1983.

Montana departed from the band soon after in 1985, with Larry LaLonde taking his place. LaLonde is now best recognized for his role as the guitarist for the rock band Primus.

The artist said he left Possessed because of founding guitarist Mike Torrao.

Brian Montana’s police stand-off

Former Possessed guitarist Brian Montana, 60, died on Monday during a stand-off with California cops. Here are the details:

  • Montana was armed with a handgun, shotgun and rifle.
  • He shot at officers from the South San Francisco Police Department.
  • He used two parked cars and landscaping for cover.
  • The cops used their own cars to take cover and then returned fire.
  • Montana died in the stand-off that reportedly was connected to a dispute over tree trimmings falling over a neighbor’s yard.
  • One resident was injured during the incident.

“I left the band because Torrao had a terrible attitude problem and wouldn’t stop ragging at me,” Montana previously told Voices From the Darkside.

“He had a problem with my image,” he said.

The artist added: “He didn’t think I was evil enough or something.”

The original Possessed band only lasted until 1987, but they have reformed multiple times.

Most recently, the band reformed in 2017, and in 2019, they released Revelations of Oblivion – their first album in decades.

Montana is the second Possessed member to be shot.

In 1989, vocalist Jeff Becerra was shot multiple during a robbery that left him paralyzed, per Loudwire.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
ICE says suspect accused of killing teen in second drunk driving incident was in US illegally

ICE Reveals Illegal Immigrant Charged in Fatal Teen DUI Crash Had Prior Drunk Driving Arrest

According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a suspect charged with…
DHS warns of ‘unprecedented violence’ as death threats against ICE officers soar 8,000%

DHS Sounds Alarm: Surge in Threats Against ICE Officers Raises Concerns

Officers with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are encountering an alarming…
More than 500 arrests made under Florida's 'Super Speeder' law

Florida’s ‘Super Speeder’ Crackdown: Over 500 Arrested in Major Traffic Enforcement Sweep

As of July 1, 2025, a stringent new law in Florida is…
Maine network ends primary care after losing Medicaid due to Trump defunding Planned Parenthood

Maine Healthcare Network Halts Primary Care Services Amid Medicaid Cuts Linked to Planned Parenthood Funding Changes

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Amid funding cuts targeting abortion providers by the…
Older residents make up slim majority at the polls halfway through early voting in NYC mayoral race

Older Voters Lead Early Turnout in NYC Mayoral Race’s Midway Point

Midway through the early voting period, senior citizens in New York City…
Daughter of Kentucky sheriff accused of gunning down judge slams online ‘gossip’ about dad

Kentucky Sheriff’s Daughter Defends Father Amidst Controversy Over Judge Shooting Allegations

An 18-year-old from Kentucky is speaking out against online speculation surrounding her…
Harvard hosts panel on bridging political divide featuring only Democrats, NAACP president

Harvard Hosts Panel on Political Unity, Showcasing Democrat Leaders and NAACP President

This article is a segment of Fox News Digital’s investigative series, Campus…
Trump and China's Xi are meeting in South Korea to try to roll back months of trade tensions

Trump and Xi’s South Korea Summit: A Turning Point in US-China Trade Relations?

In Gyeongju, South Korea, President Donald Trump is set to meet with…
Influencer Eugenia Cooney spotted as Disney World amid growing health concerns

Eugenia Cooney Visits Disney World Amid Ongoing Health Discussions

Concerns about Eugenia Cooney were temporarily suspended Thursday when the notoriously skinny…
CPS news: Chicago Public Schools board votes to approve $175M pension payment to city amid Chicago budget crisis

Chicago Public Schools Board Approves Crucial $175M Pension Payment Amid Ongoing City Budget Crisis

The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) board has authorized a substantial $175 million…
Detroit police officer appears in virtual court hearing in boxers: 'You got some pants on, officer?'

Detroit Officer Attends Virtual Court in Unconventional Attire: Judge Inquires About Pants

A Detroit police officer stunned a judge after joining a virtual court…
Patients go without needed treatment after the government shutdown disrupts a telehealth program

Government Shutdown Halts Telehealth Services, Leaving Patients Without Essential Care

MINOOKA, Ill. (AP) — Bill Swick is living with a rare degenerative…