In the early morning hours of Sunday, May 17, 2026, the quiet of San Francisco's Sunset District was shattered by the sound of gunfire. On the 2500 block of 46th Avenue, near Ulloa Street, 58-year-old Eric Paul Bigone, a longtime resident of the neighborhood, was fatally shot. San Francisco Police officers responded to reports of the shooting at approximately 5:21 a.m. Upon their arrival, they discovered Bigone suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Despite immediate medical aid rendered by the officers and paramedics who arrived at the scene, Bigone succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
The investigation into the death of Eric Paul Bigone, a man described as a "neighborhood icon," revealed a complex life. A city employee working as a general laborer, Bigone had deep roots in the Sunset District. In his youth, he was associated with a group known as "Sunset District Irish" or "Sunset District Incorporated." His life, however, was not without turmoil. He had a prior conviction for vehicular manslaughter and had served prison time. Friends indicated that he had been trying to turn his life around in more recent times. As a tribute, his city-issued work vest was hung on the gate of his home, where American and Irish flags were also displayed in his windows.
The San Francisco Police Department's Homicide Detail is actively investigating the case, which marked the 17th homicide in the city that year, a significant increase from the previous year. Surveillance footage captured a suspect approaching Bigone's home on a bicycle, wearing a beanie and a mask, and carrying a long gun. As of May 19, 2026, no arrests had been made, and police had not released a possible motive for the shooting. The investigation remains open and ongoing as authorities continue to search for the individual responsible for the death of Eric Paul Bigone. Investigators are continuing to analyze witness statements and video evidence. The incident, which occurred just hours before the annual Bay to Breakers race, was confirmed by police to be unrelated to the event. The case remains an active investigation, with the suspect still at large and no convictions or sentencing to date.
