Cornelius Wigfall, Jr. dies in fatal Potrero shooting
Fatal Potrero shooting death of Cornelius Wigfall, Jr. – Obituary
Cornelius Wigfall, Jr., 44, known as “Saga,” was shot and killed on February 27 near Potrero Terrace and Annex, one of San Francisco’s remaining public-housing areas. A woman traveling in the same car was critically wounded but is expected to recover, and a 12-year-old boy present during the attack was injured without being shot, according to police reports.
Friends and family described Wigfall as a devoted father and grandfather who wanted to leave behind a life of crime and improve his circumstances. “He was a wonderful father, wonderful husband, a wonderful friend,” said a close friend. “He deeply wanted to get out of his environment and do better for himself.”
Wigfall had a long history of arrests across several California counties for offenses including robbery, grand theft, and drug possession, and in 2020 was booked for street terrorism. Despite this, friends recalled his determination to change. Monty Bo, who met Wigfall during time served at San Quentin, said, “He was funny, strong-willed and, if afforded the opportunity, he wanted to be better.”
Although a native of Potrero Hill, Wigfall did not reside in San Francisco at the time of his death and was likely visiting family. Social media posts referred to him as a “Potrero Legend,” reflecting the respect he held in his community.
While gun violence has decreased in District 10 in recent years, the area still faces risks from small, organized groups that drive much of the city’s firearm incidents. Local authorities, including the Community Violence Reduction Team, are working to prevent retaliatory attacks and provide support for survivors through mental health and trauma services, as part of the District 10 Safety Plan.
Friends and community members mourn Wigfall’s death, highlighting both the loss of a family man and the ongoing challenges of curbing violence in San Francisco’s public-housing neighborhoods.