A Tragic Shooting in the Sunset District
A San Francisco landlord has been charged with murder, assault, and arson following a shocking incident in the Sunset District. The accused, 68-year-old Philippe Chagniot, is alleged to have shot and killed his tenant, 58-year-old Eric Bigone, in what authorities describe as an execution-style killing.
San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced on Thursday that Chagniot faces charges of murder in connection with the shooting. Police identified Bigone as Chagniot’s tenant. The incident occurred on May 17 in the early hours of the morning when the San Francisco Police Department received reports of a shooting on 46th Avenue between Ulloa and Vicente streets.
Upon arrival, officers found Bigone suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of both police and paramedics, authorities confirmed that he died at the scene.
In a press conference on Thursday, Police Chief Derrick Lew provided details about the case. According to Lew, Chagniot planned the killing, with surveillance video showing him spray-painting other security cameras in the area before lighting a fire on top of a car in front of Bigone’s home. Chagniot then hid as Bigone came out to put out the fire, Lew said.
“When the victim exited his residence to deal with the fire, the suspect shot the victim in the back using an automatic firearm equipped with a silencer,” said Lew. “The suspect then stood over the victim and fired again before fleeing the scene.”
Officers used nearby surveillance cameras to track Chagniot’s movements, identifying the bicycle he allegedly left the crime scene on, and later a car. Police said investigators followed the suspect’s path from his house to Bigone’s before the crime and then back again after it.
Chagniot was arrested that day near the scene of the crime, though authorities did not disclose the motive behind the killing.
He was charged with murder, along with allegations of using a firearm in the commission of the murder, and a special circumstance allegation of lying in wait. Additional charges include assault with an automatic firearm, arson, possession of an automatic firearm, possession of a silencer, and possession of a high-capacity magazine.
Chagniot was scheduled to appear in court on Friday at the Hall of Justice. The District Attorney’s Office plans to request that he be held without bail while awaiting trial due to the public safety risk he poses.
“This was a heartbreaking incident for our Sunset community, and I know many neighbors have been deeply shaken by the violence,” said District 4 Supervisor Alan Wong. “As someone who represents this neighborhood and hears directly from residents every day, it is deeply upsetting whenever a life is lost to violence in our community. Incidents like this leave a real emotional impact on neighbors, families, and the broader Sunset community.”
However, those who know Chagniot are in disbelief. Joy Gayle, who lives right next door to Chagniot, described him as a great neighbor and a family man. She added that he was her dentist and had known him for 35 years.
“I’ve known him for 35 years. He’s a family man. He was my dentist,” Gayle said. “Phil Chagnoit is a great neighbor. He’s a great man.”
A couple of other neighbors echoed Gayle’s sentiments, expressing shock at the allegations. “I’m really shocked,” Gayle said. “We’re all like shocked. It’s so out of character for him.”
Friends of Bigone fondly remember him as a grandfather, a hard worker, and a member of a local band. His death has left the community in mourning, with many struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.
