Suvechha Sarkar
Sophia Putney-Wilcox, now Sophia Grace, had never expected in September 2014 that her teenage relationship would turn into a terrifying act of violence and would nearly claim her life. Soon, she was surrounded by the consequences of obsession, control, and abuse. The case came into focus on Investigation Discovery’s ‘Home Alone: First Flame.’ It revisited the horrifying night when Sophia fought for survival and her brother stepped in to save her life. It also features emotional interviews with her mother, brother, close friends, and herself.
Sophia Putney-Wilcox Was Attacked Twice in Her Home by Adam Shigwadja
Sophia Putney-Wilcox brought immeasurable joy to the lives of her mother, Kristin Putney, and father when she was born in 1996. Her parents later parted ways, and she began living with her mother and her brother, Kiely Putney-Wilcox, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. As she grew up, she developed a passion for creating videos on YouTube. By the Fall of 2012, Sophia also began dating Adam David Shigwadja. According to her friend, Bryce Daley, Sophia and Adam’s relationship was initially good, but it allegedly turned abusive. Bryce stated that Adam allegedly became controlling, and Sophia ultimately broke up with him. She was in her sophomore year on February 21, 2013, when Adam reportedly lured her near her window and broke into her room. As per reports, he then held her at knifepoint before she calmed him down.
After Adam left, Sophia informed her friend Bryce about the incident, and he immediately called 911. Officers contacted her mother and reportedly asked them to keep the doors and windows locked, as Adam might return. Ultimately, he was arrested while trying to return to Sophia’s room. He was charged with home invasion and felonious assault. Eventually, Sophia’s family agreed that the best course of action was for him to plead guilty to a lesser charge in return for not having any contact with Sophia and some additional conditions. By the Fall of 2013, Sophia and her family moved to a new home for a fresh start. However, things took a turn once again on September 15, 2014. Kristin stated that Sophia returned home around 8 pm, and when she entered her room, she was shocked to find Adam hiding there.
Kristin said that when she went to check on Sophia, she suspected something was wrong. However, when Kristin tried to open the door, it was pushed back. Within a few moments, Adam reportedly poured gasoline and used a lighter to set Sophia’s room on fire. As per Kristin, she then saw Adam holding Sophia at knifepoint. Kristin said that when she called for help, Kiely rushed inside the room with a baseball bat and hit Adam, who was allegedly using Sophia as a shield. Adam then escaped from the window, and Kiely rescued Sophia. Meanwhile, a neighbor called 911 to report the fire. During the confrontation, Sophia reportedly sustained a significant injury to her head. While rushing her to the hospital, Kristin also called 911. Adam was arrested the following day and was later convicted and sentenced.
Sophia Putney-Wilcox Has Found Healing Through Her Family and Motherhood
Following the incident, when Sophia was rushed to the hospital, Kristin discovered that she had a hematoma and needed immediate brain surgery. Recalling that time, she expressed, “I just closed my eyes and waited for what I thought would be the end of me.” Sophia said that when she finally woke up, she confessed to Kristin that she had gotten back together with Adam in the middle of her sophomore year in 2013 and dated until September of her Senior Year. She revealed that she had been in contact with Adam through a fake Facebook page and that he had allegedly become more violent. During Adam’s trial, Sophia bravely testified against him. After his sentencing, she addressed him and stated, “Your abuse was not love. Nothing I have ever done makes me deserve what you have put me through.”
Sophia now goes by the name Sophia Grace and has not allowed the tragic incident to dictate her life. She graduated from Loy Norrix High School and then completed her higher education at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Some of Sophia’s pictures show her working at what appears to be a car repair store. However, she has not confirmed anything about her professional life. On the show, she had revealed that she was engaged to the love of her life and announced that they were expecting a beautiful girl. By July 2018, she welcomed her daughter, Mia, into the world with great joy. However, it appears that Sophia has parted ways with her then-fiancé. It seems that she has found love once again, which is indicated by her new affectionate pictures with her partner. In October 2024, Kristin shared some wholesome pictures of Sophia kissing her soulmate at the altar during their wedding.
Additionally, Sophia continues to maintain a close relationship with her mother and brother, Kiely. Sophia’s bond with her mother is quite evident as they often express their love for each other publicly. On Kiely’s birthday, she penned a heartfelt message, writing, “Happy birthday to my favorite man and hero. I am so proud to be your big-little sister. Thank you for reminding me that there are amazing men out there. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you, and I mean that in multiple ways. I LOVE YOU, BABY BRO.” Moreover, she dedicates a significant amount of time to creating lifelong memories with her daughter, whether it be taking her out to dinner or simply cuddling with her. Above all, Sophia continues to raise awareness about domestic abuse and surrounds herself with her loved ones.
Adam Shigwadja is Incarcerated at a Michigan Prison Facility Today
When Adam was first arrested after the incident on February 21, 2013, he was initially facing the charges of first-degree home invasion and assault. He eventually pleaded guilty to felonious assault with a dangerous weapon (knife). Later, Sophia’s family came to an agreement that he would be released if he refrained from any contact with Sophia for three years, actively participated in counseling, and fulfilled the remaining probation criteria, which were set to expire on June 10, 2016. Following that, on September 15, 2014, Adam reportedly attacked Sophia, and after fleeing from her home through her window, he went to a friend’s house.
Although officials reached that home, Adam had left by then. Ultimately, he was arrested on September 16, 2014, while he was walking along a busy road in Kalamazoo. Adam was initially charged with assault with intent to commit murder, second-degree arson, and first-degree home invasion. However, before the trial, the court rejected the more serious charge of assault with intent to commit murder. The bench trial of Adam began on July 28, 2015. The prosecution claimed that he had cut Sophia with his knife and also pointed out the fact that he had set her room on fire and broken into her home. They further presented forensic evidence and several witnesses before the court. On the other hand, the defense challenged Adam’s prior acts of domestic violence and claimed that the testimonies were inconsistent.
Adam was found guilty of second-degree arson, assault with intent to cause great bodily harm less than murder, and first-degree home invasion. He was sentenced as a second-offense habitual offender on September 14, 2015, and received an 83-month to 15-year term in prison for assault. Adam was also sentenced to 175 months to 30 years for arson, to be served concurrently, and 175 months to 30 years for home invasion, consecutive to the previous two sentences. He had appealed his judgment, but the Appellate Court affirmed his convictions and sentencing on January 19, 2017. Currently, Adam is incarcerated at Chippewa Correctional Facility in Kincheloe, Michigan. His earliest release date is November 15, 2043, while the maximum discharge date is September 15, 2074.
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