The heartbreaking story of Harmony Montgomery continues to unfold as her biological mother, Crystal Sorey, petitions a New Hampshire court to legally declare her daughter deceased. This legal maneuver marks another chapter in a case riddled with tragedy, abuse, and a desperate search for answers. Harmony, just five years old at the time of her murder in 2019, vanished from public view for nearly two years before her disappearance was even reported. Her body remains unrecovered, leaving a gaping wound in the hearts of those who loved her and a persistent question mark hanging over the justice system.
Harmony Montgomery with her mother, Crystal Sorey. (Crystal Sorey)
A Life Cut Short: Harmony’s Tumultuous Early Years
Harmony’s short life was marked by instability and hardship. Shuffled between various homes, including foster care and periods with her mother, Crystal Sorey, the young girl experienced a childhood far removed from the safety and security every child deserves. Sorey, who has openly battled substance abuse, lost custody of Harmony to her father, Adam Montgomery, in 2018. Adam, a career criminal with his own addiction struggles, would later be convicted of his daughter’s murder.
Justice Served, But Closure Remains Elusive
In February 2024, Adam Montgomery was found guilty of brutally beating Harmony to death and subsequently concealing her body. The details of the crime, including hiding her remains in a duffel bag, a cooler, and a ceiling vent for months, shocked the nation and intensified the ongoing search for Harmony’s remains. Despite the conviction, the inability to locate Harmony’s body has left a void in the pursuit of justice and closure. Prosecutors remain committed to the search, echoing Sorey’s fervent desire to bring her daughter home. Sorey has expressed her intention to cremate Harmony’s remains and keep them close, a poignant testament to a mother’s enduring love.
Seeking Legal Declaration and Control of Estate
Sorey’s petition to declare Harmony legally deceased is accompanied by a request to be named head of her daughter’s estate. Currently, both Sorey and Adam Montgomery are listed as heirs. While the estate is reportedly of no monetary value, Sorey seeks expedited proceedings to pave the way for a wrongful death lawsuit. The target of this potential lawsuit remains undisclosed, adding another layer of intrigue to an already complex and tragic case.
Adam Montgomery displays defiance as he enters the courtroom for jury selection in his murder trial. (David Lane/Union Leader via AP, Pool)
The Complicated Web of Relationships and Testimony
Adding to the complexity of the case is the role of Kayla Montgomery, Adam’s ex-wife. Kayla provided crucial testimony during Adam’s trial, claiming to have witnessed the horrific murder. In a recent development, Kayla was granted parole and is scheduled for release in May 2024. This release raises questions about the potential impact on the ongoing search for Harmony’s remains and the potential wrongful death lawsuit.
Unanswered Questions and the Pursuit of Closure
The Harmony Montgomery case stands as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of children and the failures of the systems designed to protect them. While Adam Montgomery’s conviction brings a measure of justice, the absence of Harmony’s remains continues to haunt those who followed her story. The legal proceedings initiated by Crystal Sorey represent a mother’s unwavering determination to find closure and ensure that her daughter’s tragic fate is not forgotten. The court’s decision on the legal declaration of death and the subsequent wrongful death lawsuit will undoubtedly shape the final chapter of this heartbreaking saga. As the legal process unfolds, the nation continues to hold its breath, hoping for a resolution that brings peace to Harmony’s memory and accountability for those responsible for her untimely demise.
The Future of the Case and the Search for Harmony
The legal declaration of Harmony’s death is a necessary step for Sorey to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. This lawsuit could potentially target individuals or institutions that may have played a role in Harmony’s tragic fate. While the specifics of the lawsuit remain unknown, its outcome could have significant implications for child welfare practices and accountability in similar cases.
The search for Harmony’s remains continues, driven by the unwavering hope of providing a proper burial and a sense of peace for Sorey and those who loved Harmony. The ongoing investigation and the potential information that may emerge from the wrongful death lawsuit could finally lead to the discovery of Harmony’s final resting place. The pursuit of justice and closure in the Harmony Montgomery case serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable children and holding those who harm them accountable.
