RELATED: SFPD says suspects stole man's camera before fatal Twin Peaks shooting
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"He was arrested for a firearms possession charge and he was convicted of that charge and he was released on his own recognizance," said Officer Grace Gatpandan with the San Francisco police.
Sources with knowledge of the investigation say Mims was released by the judge based on the recommendation of a pretrial diversion risk assessment.
The 71-year-old may have been atop Twin Peaks working to find a location.
RELATED: Pair arrested in Twin Peaks homicide linked to second armed robbery
St. Mary's Cathedral is another popular location for photographers and it's where police got the break they needed with a second armed robbery.
Less than two weeks after French's murder, a man and three women were robbed at gunpoint for camera equipment at the Cathedral.
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"In both these cases there was surveillance video that was obtained," Gatpandan continued. "I can't exactly disclose how they were connected."
Police arrested Mims and Decuir in the St. Mary's robbery last Thursday.
"Once they were arrested there was further information developed and this morning both individuals were also charged with the homicide of Mr. French," Gatpandan told ABC7 News.
Architectural photographer Bart Edson learned of the attacks Monday night while photographing the cathedral. "This architecture is very stunning," he said. "I was very surprised. I wasn't aware of this at all."
RELATED: Friends remember film location manager killed at San Francisco's Twin Peaks
Police say there may be other robbery victims and if you recognize the suspects, please call them.