Police lights at scene of crime - file photo © fernando gregory | dreamstime. Com — Police lights at scene of crime - File photo © Fernando Gregory | Dreamstime.com

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – A landlord accused of trying to remove a tenant from his property is now facing homicide charges after prosecutors say he ambushed and killed the man with a silenced submachine gun outside a San Francisco home in May. The killing, detailed in a civil complaint filed by the victim’s family, outlines an alleged scheme to force the tenant out so the property could be sold.

Philippe Chagniot has been charged with homicide with special circumstances of lying in wait, as well as possession of a silencer and a high-capacity magazine. Authorities say the victim, 58-year-old Eric Bigone, was shot outside the residence after being lured outdoors.

Alleged plan tied to eviction effort

According to a complaint filed by Bigone’s son, Chagniot sought to remove the tenant under the Ellis Act but did not follow through with the legal process. “This was a fraudulent subterfuge calculated to induce Bigone to vacate the premises,” the document alleges. “[Chagniot] repeatedly told Bigone that they needed to sell their property and that he had to vacate.”

The filing claims that between January and May, Chagniot and his wife “repeatedly threatened” to remove Bigone as part of a “campaign of harassment.” The complaint states the couple “became frustrated” when those efforts failed.

“As a result, [Chagniot and his wife] conspired to murder Bigone so that they could sell the premises,” the complaint charges. “On the morning of May 17, 2026, [Chagniot and his wife] put their plan to murder Bigone into action.”

Details of the shooting

The complaint alleges Chagniot left his home around 5 a.m. wearing dark clothing and a face covering, riding a bicycle to the property while armed with a Military Armament Corporation Model 10, commonly known as a MAC-10. The weapon was equipped with a silencer and a high-capacity magazine.

“In an attempt to further conceal himself, and by way of planning and laying in wait for Bigone, defendant Chagniot spray painted several cameras in the area,” the complaint alleges. “Chagniot then lit a fire on top of Bigone’s car, which was parked in front of the premises.”

The filing states Chagniot then waited for Bigone to come outside. When he did, the landlord allegedly opened fire. “Bigone then fell to the ground,” the complaint says. “Chagniot stood over Bigone and shot him again.”

After the shooting, the complaint claims Chagniot left the scene on his bicycle and returned home. It further alleges that he and his wife later contacted Bigone’s son to offer condolences while also asking about his plans to vacate the property.

Reaction and legal proceedings

“It’s extraordinarily callous,” attorney Steve MacDonald, who represents Bigone’s son, told KGO. “It reminds me of ‘The Sopranos.’ Show up at funerals and offer condolences. Very sordid.”

The lawsuit seeks general and punitive damages against Chagniot and his wife. An attorney representing the couple has not responded to requests for comment.

According to the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office, Chagniot remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 24.

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