San Francisco, California — A former California dentist is facing murder charges after prosecutors accused him of carrying out a carefully planned ambush that allegedly ended with the fatal shooting of his tenant outside a San Francisco home.
Authorities say the suspect, 68-year-old Philippe Chagniot, orchestrated a series of actions designed to lure the victim outdoors before opening fire in the early morning hours.
Prosecutors Allege Tenant Was Lured Outside
According to the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, the victim, identified by multiple news outlets as 58-year-old Eric Bigone, was killed on May 17 in the city’s Outer Sunset neighborhood.
Investigators allege Chagniot arrived near the residence around 5 a.m. wearing a disguise that included a mask and dark clothing.
Prosecutors claim the landlord rode a bicycle to the area before allegedly spray-painting surveillance cameras in an effort to conceal his actions.
Authorities further allege that Chagniot then set a fire on top of a vehicle parked outside Bigone’s home. Despite the alleged attempt to disable surveillance systems, investigators were later able to recover footage connected to the case.
Deadly Ambush Unfolded Near Victim’s Home
According to prosecutors, Bigone exited his home carrying a shovel after noticing the fire and attempted to remove the burning materials from the vehicle.
Authorities say that is when the alleged attack occurred. Investigators claim Chagniot had been hiding nearby and approached from behind before opening fire.
Prosecutors allege the suspect used a silenced and fully automatic firearm during the shooting.
After the victim fell to the ground, authorities say the suspect allegedly fired additional shots before leaving the scene. According to the District Attorney’s Office, the suspect then rode away on his bicycle following the fatal attack.
Arrest Made After Investigation
Chagniot was arrested on Wednesday and booked into the San Francisco County Jail, according to police.
Investigators also executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence and reportedly recovered evidence believed to be connected to the homicide investigation.
Authorities have charged him with murder, arson, possession of an automatic firearm and several additional offenses.
Officials have not publicly disclosed a motive for the alleged killing. The case remains under investigation as prosecutors continue reviewing evidence.
Former Dentist’s Arrest Shocks Neighbors
The allegations have stunned residents who knew Chagniot personally. According to reports, he had been licensed to practice dentistry in California since 1985 before his license expired in 2024.
One longtime neighbor expressed disbelief following the arrest.
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“Phil Chagnoit is a great neighbor. He’s a great man,” Joy Gayle told CBS News Bay Area.
“I’ve known him for 35 years. He’s a family man. He was my dentist,” Gayle said. The comments reflect the shock felt by many community members following the serious accusations.
Victim Remembered as Mentor and Community Leader
Loved ones described Bigone as a man who had rebuilt his life after overcoming personal struggles.
According to family members, he worked as a laborer for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, taught youth boxing and mentored people through Alcoholics Anonymous recovery programs.
He was also known for performing as a singer in a band called Whiskey Business. Family members remembered him as someone who positively impacted countless lives.
“He was a giant of a guy. He was a legendary person,” a relative told The San Francisco Standard. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine what led to the deadly confrontation.
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