Adam Montgomery, the New Hampshire man convicted of murdering his 5-year-old daughter Harmony Montgomery, has been sentenced to 45 years to life in prison. The sentence comes five years after a Massachusetts judge placed Harmony in Montgomery's custody, a decision that has been heavily scrutinized.
Harmony's mother, Crystal Sorey, reported her daughter missing in 2021, but authorities determined she was killed in 2019. Montgomery was found guilty of second-degree murder, assault, witness tampering, falsifying evidence, and abuse of a corpse. He was sentenced to consecutive terms totaling 56 years in prison.
The case has raised questions about the child protective services system and the decision to place Harmony in Montgomery's custody. A report by the Massachusetts Office of the Child Advocate found that state officials prioritized Harmony's parents' rights over her well-being, leading to her tragic death.
In court, several people spoke to provide victim impact statements, including Harmony's mother, who expressed her love for her daughter and hatred for the "monster" who killed her. A couple who adopted Harmony's younger brother read a moving statement from the 7-year-old boy, who remembered his sister's beautiful blue eyes and their fun times together.
Prosecutors had asked for a sentence of 56 years to life, but offered to reduce the sentence if Montgomery revealed the location of Harmony's body. Montgomery remained silent, and the judge imposed the recommended sentence.
The defense requested a sentence less than the state's recommendation, citing Montgomery's maintenance of innocence on the murder charge. However, the judge found that Montgomery's actions were "heartless, immoral, selfish, and unapologetic."
Harmony's story is a tragic reminder of the failures of the child protective services system. Born in 2014, she was blind in one eye and had other medical concerns. She cycled between her mother's care and foster care before a judge awarded custody to Montgomery in 2019. Her remains have still not been found, and her family continues to seek justice and closure.
The case has sparked outrage and calls for reform, with many questioning how such a tragedy could have occurred. The Massachusetts Office of the Child Advocate has called for changes to prioritize the well-being of children like Harmony, who was failed by the system. As the family and community continue to grieve, they hope that Harmony's story will lead to positive change and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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