Prosecutors in San Francisco have revealed shocking details in a case where they allege a wealthy landlord planned to murder a long-term tenant to reclaim a home valued at approximately $1.3 million.
According to court documents, the suspect is Phillippe Chagniot, a retired dentist and manager of his family's property in San Francisco's Sunset District. Authorities allege he wanted to sell the house and therefore sought every means to force the tenant, 58-year-old Eric Bigone, to leave.
Neighborhood sources indicate that tensions had been building between the two parties for months regarding tenant relocation assistance. Laws in San Francisco require landlords to compensate tenants in many eviction cases.
Bigone reportedly understood his legal rights and had hired an attorney to negotiate a relocation assistance package.
Prosecutors state that in the early hours of May 17, 2026, Chagniot wore dark clothing, a mask, and used spray paint to obscure surveillance cameras in the area to avoid detection.
Authorities allege he then set fire to a car in front of the house to lure Bigone outside before his commute to the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission — where the victim worked, earning approximately $130,000 annually.
According to the investigation, Chagniot hid on the side of the house and then shot Bigone in the back of the head with a silenced Mac-10 before “calmly” cycling away from the scene.
Flock Safety security cameras helped police track the suspect's bicycle and vehicle to determine his movements and make an arrest.
The article also states that Chagniot was previously linked to another homicide in 2006 involving a property he managed.
Family and friends describe Eric Bigone as a devoted father and grandfather, well-liked by many in the neighborhood.
Phillippe Chagniot currently faces charges of murder, ambush, arson, and firearms violations.
