MANCHESTER, N.H. — The search for Harmony Montgomery, a New Hampshire girl who disappeared in 2019, is now a homicide investigation, authorities announced Thursday.
Harmony was murdered in early December of 2019, Attorney General John M. Formella and Manchester Police Chief Allen D. Aldenberg said during a joint news conference.
Multiple sources of investigative information and new biological evidence led investigators to conclude that Harmony was murdered, according to Formella.
“This is truly devastating news for Harmony’s family, friends, and loved ones,” Formella said. “We will not stop until we get justice for Harmony.”
Harmony’s remains have not yet been located.
“Our commitment to bringing Harmony home has not wavered, nor will it,” Aldenberg added.
She had been in the care of her father, Adam Montgomery. She was 5 years old when she disappeared but she was not reported missing until late last year.
Police first became aware that Harmony might be missing when they received a call from the girl’s mother, Crystal Sorey, in November. She had been unsuccessfully trying to locate the girl for months, police said.
[ Mass. DCF ‘failed’ case of missing NH girl Harmony Montgomery and the ‘risk’ she faced at home ]
Before her father was awarded custody, Harmony spent several years in Massachusetts DCF custody. The Office of the Child Advocate investigated Harmony’s case and found that DCF failed to protect her by placing an unequal weight on the parents’ rights versus a child’s wellbeing.
In June of this year, investigators searched an apartment building on Union Street in Manchester, N.H. and removed a refrigerator and other items. The apartment is where Adam and Harmony’s stepmother Kayla Montgomery once lived, though it is unclear if Harmony herself ever lived there.
Adam Montgomery, a man with a lengthy criminal record, was indicted by a Hillsborough County grand jury in March on a felony charge of second-degree assault, alleging that he struck Harmony in the face in July 2019.
[ Investigators remove evidence from apartment tied to Harmony Montgomery ]
Kayla Montgomery was indicted by a grand jury on a felony charge of theft by deception, alleging that she told New Hampshire Health Department workers that Harmony was a member of her household from November 2019 to June 2021, and that she received food stamp benefits for Harmony.
Kayla was also arrested in June on perjury charges.
Both have pleaded not guilty and told police that Harmony was living with her mother in Massachusetts.
Adam is currently in custody, while Kayla is out on bond.
Sources have told 25 Investigates Adam and Kayla Montgomery have not cooperated with the investigation.
New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu issued a statement after Thursday’s news conference.
”Our greatest fears were confirmed today and now our efforts shift to ensuring justice for Harmony,” said Governor Sununu. “I commend the tireless dedication of the law enforcement community for their unwavering efforts and commitment to transparency, and recognize they have much work ahead of them. We have come to know Harmony through her bright smiles in her photos and she will not be soon be forgotten by her fellow Granite Staters.”
Anyone with information on Harmony’s disappearance is urged to call or text the 24-hour tip line dedicated to Harmony at 603-203-6060.
More of 25 Investigates’ coverage of Harmony Montgomery’s disappearance:
25 Investigates: Lawmakers put the brakes on proposed Harmony Montgomery Commission
First glimpse inside the NH apartment searched in Harmony Montgomery investigation
Harmony Montgomery’s mother tells Boston 25 News, ‘this is no longer a rescue mission’
Group sends Harmony Montgomery birthday cards to jailed father, Adam
Internal review of New Hampshire’s handling of Harmony Montgomery’s case released
Boston 25 News Special Report: Searching for Harmony Montgomery
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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