A 68-year-old man, Philippe Chagniot, was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly killing Eric Bigone, 58, an Outer Sunset resident, according to the San Francisco Police Department. Bigone was shot and killed at around 5:30 a.m. on May 17, as he was leaving for work.
Chagniot was transported to San Francisco County jail and booked for murder, according to SFPD.
Chagniot’s family owns the house where Bigone lived on 46th Avenue. He had lived in the house since 2023, according to public records.
Bigone had talked to his friends about disputes with his landlord, who allegedly “wanted to sell the house but didn’t want to pay for Eric to relocate,” according to a friend of Bigone’s who asked to not be identified by name.
Chagniot, a dentist, ran a practice near Stonestown, but his license expired in 2024. He lives in a home in Ingleside that his family also owns.
On the morning of the shooting, the suspect was seen in security footage arriving at Bigone’s apartment on a bicycle. His face was covered in a mask, and he carried a long gun, according to images from a police bulletin board.
Bigone had a troubled past and served years in prison after killing someone in 2004 in a drunk driving accident. After he was released, friends said, Bigone lived a quiet life, working as a laborer for the SFPUC.
“He was a stand-up guy, but he took his sobriety seriously and was a positive influence on those around him, especially the youthful offenders,” said Gerald Cypert, who met Bigone at Solano State Prison around 2016.
Despite his history, Bigone was remembered by his friends as “a good man” and “a solid friend.” He loved boxing and for the past five years helped the nearby United Irish Cultural Center set up its amateur boxing ring. A GoFundMe set up for his son and grandchildren after his killing has raised some $6,600.
“He was such a giving person,” said Bigone’s mother at a recent memorial. “He was full of love, grace, generosity, and fun.”
Bigone’s funeral will take place at 10:30 a.m. on June 10 at Saint Anne of the Sunset at 850 Judah St.
