In a shocking turn of events, Adam Montgomery has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of his 5-year-old daughter, Harmony. The trial unfolded in Manchester, New Hampshire, but Montgomery himself was notably absent when the jury returned their verdict. Despite maintaining his innocence, Montgomery’s guilt was established beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case surrounding Harmony Montgomery’s murder is particularly distressing due to the fact that her body has never been found. Investigators believe that she was killed in December 2019, but her disappearance was not reported until almost two years later. The harrowing details of the case were revealed during the trial, painting a picture of a young girl who suffered greatly at the hands of her own father.
Harmony’s mother, Crystal Sorey, who was no longer in a relationship with Montgomery, expressed relief at the conviction. She appeared on WMUR-TV to share her thoughts, stating, “I’m relieved that there’s some justice being served. Obviously, it’s not over. I have a little bit of peace knowing that he’s being held accountable because he thought he was so untouchable and that she didn’t matter, that nobody would miss her. He was so wrong, he was so wrong.” Sorey’s main hope now is to find her daughter’s remains so that she can finally bring her home.
The case of Harmony Montgomery has also shed light on the weaknesses within child protection systems and sparked a call for prioritizing the well-being of children over parental rights in custody matters. Harmony had been moved between various homes before Montgomery gained custody in 2019 and relocated to New Hampshire. The tragedy that befell her raises questions about the failures within child welfare agencies in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
While the conviction brings some measure of closure, there remains a sense of incompleteness as Harmony’s body has yet to be found. Lead detective John Dunleavy expressed his determination to continue the search, stating, “I will be on the job for some time, I still have about 15 years left. And as long as I’m a police officer, I’m going to continue to look for her.” Prosecutor Benjamin Agati echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the trial does not mark the end of the search for Harmony Montgomery. They believe that her remains may be located along a specific route that Montgomery had taken in a rental truck, and efforts to locate her will continue in those areas.
As for Montgomery himself, his sentencing is yet to come. While he did not attend his trial, state law typically requires his attendance at the sentencing. Prosecutors plan to ensure that he is present when the time comes. Based on the severity of the crime and Harmony’s young age, Montgomery is likely to face a minimum sentence of 35 years to life for the murder charge, in addition to other charges he is already serving time for.
The conviction of Adam Montgomery marks a significant step towards justice for Harmony, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of child protection systems and the need to prioritize the welfare of children in custody matters. The search for Harmony Montgomery’s remains continues, driven by the determination of law enforcement officials who refuse to give up on bringing her home.
