Adam Montgomery, 34, was convicted of second-degree murder for the death of his 5-year-old daughter, Harmony Montgomery, despite his absence during the trial. Harmony went missing in 2019, and her body was never found. Montgomery’s claims of innocence were overshadowed by evidence presented in court, leading to the verdict. New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu expressed gratitude for the justice served and labeled Montgomery as a “monster” deserving of a lifetime in prison.
Although Montgomery’s attorneys admitted to lesser charges related to the disposal of Harmony’s body, they denied his involvement in her death. The jury found him guilty of assaulting Harmony in 2019 and tampering with his estranged wife, Kayla Montgomery, who testified against him. Kayla revealed details of Harmony’s murder, alleging that Montgomery fatally injured her during an outburst over bathroom accidents.
Harmony’s mother, Crystal Sorey, who hadn’t seen her daughter since April 2019, expressed relief at the verdict but emphasized the need to find Harmony’s remains for closure. Police Chief Allen Aldenberg echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the failure of child protection systems and advocating for accountability within relevant agencies.
Kayla Montgomery, who is serving time for perjury related to Harmony’s disappearance, testified that Montgomery moved Harmony’s body multiple times before disposing of it. The lead detective on the case, John Dunleavy, expressed determination to continue the search for Harmony.
Prosecutor Benjamin Agati emphasized the ongoing effort to locate Harmony’s remains and ensure a suitable sentence for Montgomery, considering the severity of the crime. Montgomery faces a minimum sentence of 35 years to life for the murder charge, in addition to existing charges that guarantee an extended prison stay.
Despite the conviction, the case highlights the shortcomings in child protection systems and the importance of prioritizing children’s welfare in custody matters. Harmony’s tragic fate serves as a reminder of the need for systemic reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
