Adam Montgomery, convicted of murdering his 5-year-old daughter Harmony Montgomery, has been sentenced to 45 years to life in prison. The case, which drew attention to flaws in the child protective services system and strained relations between Massachusetts and New Hampshire, concluded with Montgomery receiving consecutive sentences for multiple charges related to the crime.
Montgomery was found guilty of second-degree murder, second-degree assault, witness tampering, falsifying physical evidence, and abuse of a corpse in the death of his daughter Harmony, who went missing in 2021 but was reported missing in 2019. The judge ruled that Montgomery will serve a minimum of 56 years in prison, with the charges to be served consecutively.
The sentencing follows a Massachusetts court’s decision to place Harmony, who had a history of foster care, in Montgomery’s custody in New Hampshire, a move criticized in the wake of the tragedy. Harmony’s mother, Crystal Sorey, expressed her anguish in court, condemning Montgomery as a “monster” and “coward” while remembering her daughter’s vibrant spirit.
Despite Harmony’s remains not being found, a judge declared her legally dead in March 2022. Harmony’s case prompted a comprehensive report from the Massachusetts Office of the Child Advocate, which highlighted systemic failures to prioritize her well-being over parental rights.
During the sentencing hearing, Harmony’s brother, adopted by another couple, conveyed his love and longing for his sister, expressing his desire to see her again. Prosecutors urged Montgomery to disclose Harmony’s whereabouts in exchange for a reduced sentence, but Montgomery remained silent.
In defense, Montgomery’s attorney maintained his innocence regarding the murder charge, attributing his actions to the shock of discovering his daughter’s death. The defense criticized the prosecution’s tactics, calling them a “stunt” to elicit a reaction from Montgomery.
As Harmony’s loved ones seek closure, the sentencing underscores the devastating impact of familial violence and the enduring pain of loss.