A San Francisco landlord accused of murdering his own tenant is now attempting to lease the crime-scene home for $6,300 a month.
Philippe Chagniot, 68, listed the 1,200-square-foot property at 2518 46th Avenue after a judge barred his family trust from selling it, though the court permitted rentals to proceed. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom unit had initially hit the market at $8,000 before the price was slashed, with marketing materials touting “beautiful hardwood floors, abundant natural light, and an updated interior.”
The property sits at the exact location where Chagniot allegedly gunned down Eric Bigone, 58, in mid-May. Prosecutors say the landlord spray-painted surveillance cameras around the residence, then started a fire atop Bigone’s car. When the tenant emerged to confront the blaze, Chagniot shot him twice from behind with an automatic Mac-10 firearm, according to authorities. The suspect was later spotted fleeing the scene on a bicycle.
The San Francisco District Attorney’s Office charged Chagniot with murder and detained him without bail following the shooting.
The home’s ownership structure has drawn scrutiny from those who encounter the listing. The property belongs to the Chagniot 2007 Family Trust, which includes both Philippe Chagniot and his wife. A woman who toured the unit said she spotted the family trust name and grew suspicious, then discovered news coverage of the killing online.
“I wasn’t looking for if someone was killed in the lease. My money would presumably be benefiting this family,” the prospective tenant told The San Francisco Standard.
Dino Bigone, the victim’s son, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit alleging his father was murdered specifically so Chagniot could clear the property for sale. That litigation prompted the judicial block on any sale, though the rental avenue remained open to the trust.
Neighbors have reacted with disgust to the rental arrangement. One resident, speaking about the situation, did not hold back.
“That’s such bulls–t. I’m upset, sick,” the neighbor said.
The case has also spawned community efforts to support Bigone’s survivors. A GoFundMe established for Dino Bigone and his grandchildren has raised approximately $13,000 toward a $65,000 goal.
The rental listing remains active as the criminal case against Chagniot proceeds through the court system.
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