Adam Montgomery, the man convicted of murdering his five-year-old daughter Harmony Montgomery, was sentenced to 45 years to life in prison. In addition to the murder charge, he also received shorter sentences for other charges related to the case. Prior to the sentencing, several individuals delivered victim impact statements, including Harmony’s biological mother, Crystal Sorey. Sorey expressed her anguish, questioning whether Harmony cried or begged for her life during the horrific incident.
Harmony was reported missing in 2021, but prosecutors believed she had died almost two years earlier in December 2019. According to court proceedings, Adam beat Harmony after she had a bathroom accident. The charges against Adam included second-degree murder, second-degree assault, witness tampering, falsifying physical evidence, and abuse of a corpse. A jury found him guilty in February of this year.
During the trial, Adam’s estranged wife, Kayla Montgomery, testified that Harmony’s body was hidden and later disposed of by Adam. Kayla, who pleaded guilty to perjury in connection with the investigation, provided crucial testimony against Adam as part of her plea deal. Crystal Sorey also testified during the trial.
While Adam’s attorneys claimed he did not kill Harmony, they did acknowledge his guilt in removing, concealing, and destroying her corpse, as well as falsifying physical evidence. To this day, Harmony’s body has not been found.
Before the sentencing took place at Hillsborough County Superior Court in Manchester, Crystal Sorey had a conversation with Manchester Chief of Police Allen Aldenberg. It was a somber moment, highlighting the deep pain experienced by Harmony’s family.
Prosecutors recommended a sentence of 56 years to life in prison for Montgomery’s crimes. However, they offered to reduce their recommendation to a minimum of 35 years to life if Adam disclosed the whereabouts of Harmony’s body within seven days. The prosecution argued that Adam’s silence demonstrated a lack of remorse, making the minimum sentence inappropriate.
Crystal Sorey, in her emotional statement, remembered Harmony as a loving sister to her brother and Adam’s sons. She vowed to continue searching for her daughter, with or without Adam’s cooperation. On the other hand, Adam’s defense maintained his innocence, rejecting the prosecution’s offer as a mere publicity stunt. They urged the judge not to interpret Adam’s silence as a lack of remorse, stating that he was incapable of explaining his actions but eventually found the strength to say goodbye to his daughter.
Following the sentencing, public officials responded to the outcome. Attorney General John Formella expressed that justice had been served and emphasized that Harmony’s memory and legacy would remain the focus moving forward. Formella commended the efforts of prosecutors and investigators, acknowledging that their tireless work led to Harmony receiving the justice she deserved. He reassured the public of their commitment to protecting children and bringing those who harm them to justice.
In conclusion, Adam Montgomery’s sentencing marked an important milestone in seeking justice for Harmony Montgomery. While the pain and grief caused by her tragic death cannot be undone, it is crucial to remember her memory and work together to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
