Five years following Harmony Montgomery’s tragic death, a state agency connected to her care is asserting that it should not be held legally responsible for her murder. They argue that she was not under their custody at the time of the incident.
Harmony was last seen alive in 2019, but the authorities did not start searching for her until almost two years later. Her father, Adam Montgomery, has been found guilty of her murder and confessed to getting rid of her body, though he has not disclosed the location.
Harmony’s biological mother, Crystal Sorey, had lost custody of her daughter before the murder took place. She is now taking legal action against the State of New Hampshire and its agencies for their alleged failure to keep Harmony safe. A second amended lawsuit, filed on February 12, provides more details regarding the original claims.
Court TV reports that the updated lawsuit reveals nearly 20 calls to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Division of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), showing that the assigned case agent failed to follow up or comply with agency policies regarding Harmony Montgomery.
Calls from various sources, including Adam Montgomery’s uncle, Kevin, and a Manchester police officer, painted a disturbing picture of the home. One call noted, “This is why children die… this child was punched clear in the eye socket with full force.” Other reports alleged that Harmony endured molestation, was forced to clean a toilet with a toothbrush, stood in a corner for hours, and witnessed drug abuse.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court is weighing the decision to release audio recordings from the custody hearing that transferred Harmony into her father’s care in New Hampshire.
[Feature Photo: Harmony Montgomery/Handout]
