Father Found Guilty in Murder of 5-Year-Old Daughter Harmony Montgomery
In a heartbreaking and shocking turn of events, New Hampshire father Adam Montgomery has been found guilty of the murder of his 5-year-old daughter, Harmony. After approximately six hours of deliberation over two days, the jury reached a verdict that has left the community in disbelief.
During the two-week trial, prosecutors presented a harrowing narrative of abuse and neglect. They alleged that after beating Harmony, Montgomery callously injected opioids and indulged in fast food while his helpless daughter suffered in the back seat of his car. New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella expressed condolences to Harmony’s family and hoped that the verdict would bring them some closure and peace.
The details that emerged during the trial were nothing short of horrific. Montgomery, a violent felon and drug addict, concealed Harmony’s body for months after realizing she was dead. He heartlessly stuffed her into a duffel bag and then a cooler, using lime to mask the smell of decomposition. Eventually, he rented a U-Haul truck and discarded her remains “like trash” somewhere outside Boston.
The tragedy deepened when it was revealed that Harmony’s noncustodial mother, Crystal Sorey, had reported her missing after discovering that she had never been enrolled in school. It was a frustrating and devastating discovery for Sorey, who had been actively trying to add Harmony to her family while Montgomery had been awarded custody.
Blair and Johnathon Miller, who had adopted Harmony’s brother, expressed their profound grief and anguish upon hearing the verdict. They emphasized that it was not a day for celebration but rather a day that intensified the pain surrounding the little girl who was denied a chance at life.
Harmony’s brother, Jamison, has held onto hope, praying for her return every night. The Millers spoke of his tireless efforts to find his sister, searching parks and waiting at the front door, hoping she would find her way back to them. They now turn to their son for strength, as they strive to offer forgiveness while grappling with the lifelong repercussions of this tragedy.
A subsequent investigation by a Massachusetts watchdog agency found that the state’s child welfare system had failed to prioritize Harmony’s safety and well-being when placing her in her father’s care. This revelation added to the collective outrage and frustration surrounding the case.
Kayla Montgomery, Adam Montgomery’s estranged wife, played a crucial role in the trial. As part of a plea deal, she provided investigators with damning testimony implicating her husband in the crimes. She revealed that he had kept Harmony’s body hidden for three months before allegedly disposing of it near Boston. Although her body has not been recovered, investigators discovered Harmony’s DNA in at least one location where Montgomery had allegedly concealed her.
Throughout this tragic ordeal, it was revealed that Montgomery had been living out of a car with Kayla, their relationship marred by allegations of domestic violence. Kayla’s testimony was instrumental in building the case against him, as she described the horrifying events leading up to Harmony’s death.
As a result of this verdict, Adam Montgomery faces additional charges, including second-degree murder, abusing a corpse, and falsifying evidence. He is already serving a lengthy prison sentence for an unrelated firearms case and has pleaded guilty to lesser charges in relation to Harmony’s death.
Harmony’s remains have yet to be found, leaving her family and the community grappling with a sense of incompleteness. However, the work of New Hampshire prosecutors, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Manchester Police Department has provided some solace for Harmony’s loved ones. They remain grateful for the tireless efforts made to seek justice for Harmony and ensure that her memory is not forgotten.
The trial of Adam Montgomery serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable children and prioritizing their safety and well-being. It is a tragic story that highlights the failures of the child welfare system and the devastating consequences that can result from such oversights. As the community mourns Harmony’s untimely death, it is essential that her memory serves as a catalyst for change and a renewed commitment to safeguarding all children.
