The phrase “folded into a tote bag” evokes images of inanimate objects, not a 5-year-old child. The unimaginable horror of this reality weighs heavily on Crystal Sorey, the mother of Harmony Montgomery, who lives with the agonizing knowledge of her powerlessness. This in-depth analysis delves into the tragic case, examining the court proceedings, the chilling testimonies, and the ongoing search for Harmony’s remains.
Crystal Sorey, mother of Harmony Montgomery, during an interview with Court TV.
“I just feel that she’s not at rest,” Sorey shared in a poignant interview with Court TV’s Vinnie Politan. Her words resonate with the deep pain of a mother robbed of her child and the desperate need for closure.
A New Hampshire jury recently found Adam Montgomery, Harmony’s father and Sorey’s ex-husband, responsible for her death. The trial, extensively covered by Court TV, was marked by Adam’s refusal to appear in court, communicating only via teleconference on the first day to acknowledge his guilt on lesser charges: falsifying physical evidence and abusing a corpse.
Harmony Montgomery’s picture during the opening statements of her father’s murder trial.
The location of Harmony’s body remains unknown, fueling Sorey’s relentless quest to bring her daughter home. “I want to bring her home,” Sorey stated, expressing her desire to cremate Harmony’s remains and keep them close.
Unraveling the Chilling Testimony and Evasive Actions
Chilling testimony from Adam’s ex-wife, Kayla Montgomery, revealed the horrific details of Harmony’s fate. Kayla recounted Adam folding Harmony’s body into a canvas tote bag, ironically the type given to new mothers at hospitals. She further testified that Adam hid the body in a ceiling vent above their bed at a shelter.
The mystery surrounding Harmony’s remains deepens the tragedy, but Sorey remains steadfast in her commitment to finding her daughter. Sorey lost custody of Harmony to Adam in 2018. Adam, a career criminal battling substance abuse, was incarcerated at the time of Harmony’s birth in 2014.
Sorey explained her absence from the custody hearing, which stemmed from a separate court appearance concerning another child. Her last communication with Harmony was a Facebook video chat in April 2019. While Sorey acknowledges her own past struggles with addiction, she emphasizes her commitment to recovery and sobriety.
A Father’s Motives: A Meal Ticket, Not a Daughter
Sorey believes Adam’s pursuit of custody was motivated by financial gain, not paternal love. “He didn’t work four years to get Harmony,” she stated, highlighting Adam’s lack of effort in parenting classes or support groups. She alleges Adam forged employment documents to secure custody, seeking Harmony as a “meal ticket” for social security benefits.
At the time of her death, Harmony lived in a car with Adam, Kayla, and her two half-brothers. Harmony’s bathroom accidents in the car reportedly enraged Adam, leading to repeated blows to her head. These assaults ultimately resulted in her death in December 2019. Tragically, Harmony wasn’t reported missing for two years, her exact date of death remaining unrecorded.
Adam Montgomery (left) and Harmony Montgomery (right).
Sorey attributes Adam’s silence about Harmony’s location to a desire for control. She believes his hatred for her outweighs his concern for his daughter’s final resting place. Sorey isn’t surprised by Adam’s absence from the trial, labeling him a coward who preys on women and children.
Kayla’s Testimony: Fear or Complicity?
Kayla, who lost custody of her three children and is currently imprisoned for perjury, testified against Adam. Sorey expresses skepticism about Kayla’s claims of fear, questioning her decision to conceive a third child with Adam while Harmony’s body was hidden in their living space.
Kayla Montgomery being sworn in before testifying at Adam Montgomery’s trial.
Remembering Harmony: A Life Cut Short
Sorey remembers Harmony as a vibrant, intelligent child who loved to sing, dance, and bring joy to others. She cherishes the memories of the short time they had together. “She had a huge heart in such a small body,” Sorey shared, expressing her incomprehension of Adam’s rage towards his innocent daughter.
As Harmony’s 10th birthday approaches, Sorey reflects on the life her daughter could have had. She plans to organize searches for Harmony’s remains in the spring, vowing to continue the fight until her daughter is brought home.
The Ongoing Search for Justice and Closure
The tragic case of Harmony Montgomery highlights the devastating consequences of domestic violence and substance abuse. Sorey’s unwavering dedication to finding her daughter’s remains and seeking justice underscores the enduring power of a mother’s love. The ongoing search for Harmony continues, leaving a community grappling with unanswered questions and a family yearning for closure.
