San Francisco Twin Peaks double homicide suspect pleads not guilty

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ByVic Lee KGO logo
Friday, February 19, 2016
San Francisco Twin Peaks double homicide suspect pleads not guilty
The man accused of killing two people and wounding a third in a shooting at San Francisco's Twin Peaks area pleaded not guilty to two murder charges, attempted murder and carjacking on Thursday.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The man accused of killing two people and wounding a third in a shooting at San Francisco's Twin Peaks faced a judge on Thursday.

Richard Contreras pleaded not guilty to two murder charges, attempted murder and carjacking. His bail was set at $5 million dollars.

WATCH VIDEO: San Francisco Twin Peaks double homicide suspect has serious rap sheet

Officials said Contreras didn't know his victims and that the shooting may have been fueled by alcohol, drugs and a lot of disrespect.

Contreras' public defender told the court there was no link between her client and the Twin Peaks double murders and that there could be unresolved identification issues.

But a source with knowledge of the probe told ABC7 News investigators believe they have a solid case.

The prosecutor told the court that Contrerass has a long history of carrying weapons in his car and that he's committed a felony in each of the last three years.

On Monday, the day after the murders, ABC7 News spoke to Robert Torres and Jessica Costa, who were at Twin Peaks when the shootings occurred. "He had the gun in his hand and pointed it straight at

Robert," Costa said.

"We locked eyes when he pointed the gun at me," Torres said.

RELATED: Twin Peaks shooting victim's family talks about recent arrest in Richmond

It was their SUV that the gunman carjacked at gunpoint when he made his escape.

Contreras was arrested during a SWAT operation in Richmond Monday night.

ABC7 News learned that Costa and Torres told investigators they could not positively identify Contreras' mug shot because it was too dark and it happened so quickly, but sources said credible witnesses did point out Contreras as the killer.

Contreras is apparently not a validated gang member. "There's nothing in the complaint alleging any kind of gang enhancement or gang charge," San Francisco District Attorney spokesperson Alex Bastian said.

But sources told ABC7 News, Contreras is known to hang out with Nortenos gang members in Richmond.

Those same sources said Contreras and two others drove up to Twin Peaks early Sunday morning, were drinking and that Contreras was allegedly high on drugs.

Words were exchanged with Rene Mora and the other two shooting victims, all three of whom were in another parked car. Sources said Contreras then pulled out a gun and shot the three.

Then Contreras' two friends quickly drove off, leaving him at the scene. Sources said that's why he had to carjack the Fresno couple's car to escape.

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