PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.og
MANCHESTER – The biological father of Harmony Montgomery, 5, of Manchester, has been charged in her death with the attorney general alleging he struck her repeatedly in the head with his closed fist, mutilated her body, and tampered with witnesses or informants in an attempt to cover up the murder in 2019.
Adam Montgomery, 32, of Manchester, who is being held in jail on unrelated weapons charges, was brought to the Manchester Police Station at about 10:30 a.m. Monday and charged with four crimes.
– Second-degree murder for recklessly causing the death of Harmony Montgomery, a person under 13 years of age, under the circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life, by repeatedly striking Harmony Montgomery in the head with a closed fist, in Manchester on or about December 7, 2019;
– Falsifying physical evidence for purposely altering, destroying, concealing, or removing the body of Harmony Montgomery with a purpose to impair its verity or availability in an official proceeding or investigation, in Manchester between approximately December 7, 2019, and March 4, 2020;
– Abuse of corpse for purposely and unlawfully removing, concealing or destroying the corpse of Harmony Montgomery or any part thereof, in Manchester between approximately December 7, 2019, and March 4, 2020; and
– Tampering with witnesses or informants for purposely attempting to induce or otherwise cause Kayla Montgomery to testify or inform falsely, in Manchester between approximately December 7, 2019, and January 4, 2022.
On Tuesday, Montgomery is expected to be arraigned on all four charges in the Hillsborough County Superior Court – Northern District in Manchester, New Hampshire.
The work continues on this homicide and the Manchester Police Department continues to investigate it, asking those with any information about the location of Harmony’s remains or the circumstances of her murder to call or text the 24-hour tip line dedicated to Harmony Montgomery at 603-203-6060.
At a press conference at Manchester Police Station, announcing “another major step” in the probe, Attorney General John Formella thanked Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg, his staff, and all those who have been working this case for their professionalism and “their relentless pursuit of justice” for the child and expressed condolences to the family of the girl.
Aldenberg, appearing emotional at times, urged the public to do or say something nice to a child today.
“Although we are all pleased that we were able to bring forth these charges, they are of no solace to myself, the detectives behind me who have worked tirelessly on this investigation, and more importantly they bring no solace to the loved ones of Harmony Montgomery and her family and friends.”
“I am certain the charges that we have brought forth today will garner additional discussions and speculations and undoubtedly will elicit a wide range of emotions from the public.
“I ask that in the memory of Harmony, we all make every effort to do something nice for a child today. I know of no other way…..” he said breaking emotionally “to respect and honor this innocent and defenseless child than to extend an act of kindness to another child in her memory. Just take a few moments out of your day to say something nice to a child. Give him or her a hug, special words of encouragement….or just tell them that you love them and that you will always protect them,” Aldenberg said.
The arrests were made possible from “multiple sources and biological evidence,” Formella said.
Harmony Montgomery was reported missing two years after she had been last seen alive.
Her biological father had been given custody of the child by a Massachusetts court away from her biological mother, Crystal Sorey. She told police she had not been able to locate her daughter.
Both Adam Montgomery and his wife, Kayla Montgomery told police that Adam brought her to be with her mother in Massachusetts at Thanksgiving time in 2019.
Both Adam and Kayla Montgomery have pleaded not guilty to charges related to her well-being but Monday’s announcement was the first time anyone has been charged in her murder.
Only 10 months ago, police determined the child had been murdered.
No body has ever been located but police did obtain a search warrant for their former home in Manchester where evidence was removed.
Formella said: “While today’s arrest is a major step in this investigation, there still is much work to come. The charges and allegations against Adam Montgomery are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.”
“We understand that today’s news, while significant for the purposes of this investigation, is yet another difficult moment for those who loved Harmony and those who have followed this case. Our hearts go out, especially to Harmony’s family.”
Harmony’s stepmother Kayla Montgomery was charged with welfare fraud for accepting benefits for Harmony when she wasn’t living in the household, was bailed but returned to jail last month for violating bail conditions.
Gov. Chris Sununu released a news release: “New Hampshire is leaving no stone unturned to ensure justice for Harmony. A huge thank you to the tireless dedication of law enforcement and their unwavering efforts. We have full confidence they will ensure Adam Montgomery is held accountable for his evil actions.”