Landlord Killed Tenant To Sell Coveted Bay Area Property, Lawsuit Claims

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — The family of a man who authorities say was killed by his landlord in San Francisco last month has filed a wrongful death lawsuit, alleging the landlord did so in hopes of selling a coveted Outer Sunset neighborhood property.

The lawsuit filed by Eric Bigone's family on June 9 seeks to stop the sale of the property and to recover damages from the landlord, Phillipie Chagniot, and his wife. Mission Local first reported the lawsuit.

Chagniot, 68, was charged with murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Bigone during the early hours of Sunday, May 17.

Prosecutors say Chagniot took steps to avoid being suspected of killing Bigone, including spray-painting security cameras before the shooting.

The 68-year-old then lured Bigone out of his home by setting a fire. Once Bigone was outside, Chagniot used a gun with a silencer to shoot him in the back, prosecutors said.

He then stood over Bigone and shot him again, execution-style, they added.

The lawsuit claims Bigone rented the Outer Sunset neighborhood home in 2023. By 2026, Chagniot began harassing Bigone and trying to intimidate him to leave the property, according to the lawsuit.

Chagniot told Bigone he needed him out by March 1 because he needed to sell the property, and then began a series of plans he hoped would serve as a basis to get Bigone evicted, according to the lawsuit.

The next day, Chagniot's wife called Bigone's son to offer her condolences and to inquire when he could be gone from the property, according to the lawsuit.

"We’d like to offer our sincere condolences to you and your family during what is no doubt an extremely difficult time," Chagniot then texted Bigone's son that same day. "This is something no one should ever have to experience. If you have any questions for me, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Wishing you peace."

In addition to murder, Chagniot faces charges of assault with an automatic firearm, arson, possession of an automatic firearm, possession of a silencer, and possession of a high-capacity magazine. He pleaded not guilty to the charges at his arraignment last month.