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, who was was shot and killed at about 5:30 a.m. on May 17 as he was leaving for work, was the suspect’s tenant.
Chagniot was transported to San Francisco jail and booked for murder, SFPD said. 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 not to 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 on June 10 at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Anne of the Sunset at 850 Judah St.
Speechless. Insane what money drives people to do.
Usually, it’s tenant kills tenant, or, resident’s dog kills somebody, or other, themselves, a guest, neighbor, or a child.
“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.”
Even if the landlord had zero moral scruples with murder — clearly he didn’t — how in God’s name did he think he wouldn’t face bigger logistical problems after having killed someone?
It’s not clear to me why the landlord thought that he would need to pay relocation money anyway. This is a single family home, meaning no rent control. Just give the tenant a 60 day notice to quit – no just cause needed.
Well, his poor tenant has relocated and now the landlord will likely be relocating, as well. Usually, it’s tenant kills tenant, or, resident’s dog kills somebody, or other.
This motherfucker was my dentist when I was a kid. I knew him. I’m shocked, disappointed and disgusted by what I thought was a better man.
and now the legal fees means the house will be sold