Philippe Chagniot faces murder, arson and weapons charges after the May 17 shooting.
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Prosecutors say a San Francisco landlord planned an early morning ambush that ended with his tenant shot to death outside a home in the city’s Outer Sunset neighborhood.
Philippe Chagniot, 68, pleaded not guilty Friday in San Francisco Superior Court. He is charged in the death of Eric Bigone, 58, who was killed May 17 on the 2500 block of 46th Avenue. The district attorney’s office has not disclosed a motive, and defense attorney Michael Cardoza has denied the allegations.
The shooting was reported at about 5:21 a.m. Police said officers found Bigone with gunshot wounds and rendered aid until paramedics arrived. He died at the scene. Investigators later identified Chagniot as the suspect, developed probable cause and arrested him May 27, police said.
Authorities said surveillance footage placed Chagniot near Bigone’s home before the shooting. Prosecutors allege he spray-painted security cameras, started a fire on top of a car and waited nearby. When Bigone came outside, police said, Chagniot shot him in the back with an automatic firearm equipped with a silencer, then fired again after Bigone fell.
District Attorney Brooke Jenkins’ office charged Chagniot with murder, arson, assault with an automatic firearm and several weapons offenses. The murder count includes an allegation that a firearm was used and a special-circumstance allegation of lying in wait. Prosecutors said a conviction on the special circumstance could expose Chagniot to life in prison without parole.
In court, Cardoza said the defense needed more time because the case includes extensive discovery. He described boxes of paperwork and video that must be reviewed. Chagniot appeared in custody and entered not guilty pleas to the charges.
Bigone lived in the Outer Sunset and was remembered by people who knew him through neighborhood music and boxing circles. The area where he was killed sits near Ocean Beach and is lined with homes, parked cars and small businesses. Police have not said whether any other person was involved.
The case remains active as attorneys review evidence and prepare for the next stage in court. Police said anyone with information may contact investigators, and prosecutors are expected to continue pursuing the charges filed last week.
Author note: Last updated May 31, 2026.