Family of Twin Peaks double homicide victim speaks

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (KTVU) - The families of Rene Mora Jr. and Julio Peraza said they have never heard of the man suspected of killing their loved ones at a popular San Francisco tourist spot on Valentine’s Day.

The victims, Julio Peraza, 21, and Rene Mora, 19, of Santa Rosa were killed in the shooting and a third victim, an 18-year-old man, was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. The incident happened at the Twin Peaks outlook early Sunday.

Mora’s father, Rene Mora Sr., said his son loved to travel to San Francisco and regularly enjoyed the Twin Peaks outlook for the views.

“It’s terrible,” he said. “It’s any parent’s nightmare.”

A collage of photographs is displayed in the Mora family living room, showcasing recent memories and some from the 19-year-old’s childhood. His father said his son loved basketball, soccer, rap music, and had big dreams for the future.

“He wanted to join the Army,” Mora Sr. said. “He wanted to go to school. He had all these plans in front of him. It’s such a shame.”

The family has a lot of questions about what led up to the shooting. They have never heard of suspected gunman Richard Contreras and have no idea why he would allegedly target their son.

Contreras, 26, was arrested Feb. 15 at his house in Richmond. He is being held without bail on suspicion of murder, attempted murder, carjacking, being a felon in possession of a firearm and aggravated assault with a firearm, according to police and jail records.

The arrest does little to comfort the Mora family because they know it will not bring their son back.

“They say things always happen for a reason,” Mora Sr. added. “I want to believe he’s in God’s hands.”

Funeral arrangements for Mora are pending.

The Peraza family declined to comment about the incident, but said services for Julio Peraza will be held on Friday, Feb. 19 at 4:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Windsor. Burial will follow at Shiloh Cemetery on Saturday, Feb. 20.