Harmony Montgomery’s tragic story continues to unfold, even after her father’s conviction for her murder. Five-year-old Harmony was fatally beaten by her father, Adam Montgomery, in 2019, her body tragically never recovered. Now, Crystal Sorey, Harmony’s mother, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the State of New Hampshire and several of its agencies, alleging their negligence contributed to Harmony’s death. This lawsuit marks a new chapter in the pursuit of justice for Harmony and accountability for the systemic failures that allegedly led to this devastating outcome.
Harmony Montgomery with her mother, Crystal Sorey. (Photo courtesy of Crystal Sorey)
The Lawsuit: A Mother’s Fight for Justice
Crystal Sorey, acting as the administrator of Harmony’s estate and in her own capacity, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the State of New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. The lawsuit alleges a series of failures by these agencies, starting in 2018, before Harmony’s death, ultimately contributing to the tragedy.
The lawsuit specifically points to inadequate home studies conducted before a Massachusetts court granted Adam Montgomery custody of Harmony. This critical oversight, the lawsuit claims, failed to identify the potential dangers Harmony would face in her father’s care.
Alleged Failures of Child Protective Services
The lawsuit paints a disturbing picture of repeated reports of abuse allegedly suffered by Harmony, which were seemingly ignored or inadequately addressed by DCYF. These reports detailed visible drug paraphernalia in the home, electricity being shut off, and allegations of Harmony being forced to stand in a corner for hours, confined to her room for extended periods, and made to scrub the bathroom with a toothbrush as punishment.
Adam Montgomery leaving court. (Court TV)
The lawsuit cites a particularly chilling note in one of the reports, where a caller expressed concern that DCYF seemed to be “waiting for children to die.” This statement underscores the gravity of the alleged inaction and the potential consequences of overlooking such critical warnings.
Inadequate Investigation and Missed Opportunities
A key allegation in the lawsuit revolves around a 2019 report of abuse, when Adam Montgomery’s uncle reported seeing Harmony with a black eye, allegedly inflicted by her father. The lawsuit claims that this report was not properly investigated. The document details a DCYF officer’s questioning of Harmony, alleging the interview was conducted improperly, in a public area of the home with others present, violating DCYF Policy 1201. Further, the lawsuit contends that the officer failed to ask Harmony any questions related to the specific abuse reports.
In January 2020, Adam Montgomery informed DCYF that Harmony had returned to live with her mother in November. The lawsuit alleges that DCYF failed to make any attempt to contact Crystal Sorey to verify this information for 12 days, only leaving a voicemail with no subsequent follow-up. This delay, the lawsuit argues, represents another missed opportunity to ensure Harmony’s safety.
The Search for Harmony Continues
Despite Adam Montgomery’s conviction and life sentence without the possibility of parole, Harmony’s remains have never been found. Prosecutors used evidence suggesting Adam used a U-Haul to dispose of Harmony’s body, but the search continues. Both the prosecution and Crystal Sorey have pledged to continue their efforts to locate Harmony’s remains and bring her home.
Kayla Montgomery, Adam’s wife and Harmony’s stepmother, who witnessed the murder and testified against Adam at his trial, has since been released from prison on parole after serving time under a plea agreement.
Seeking Accountability and Systemic Change
This lawsuit represents not only a fight for justice for Harmony Montgomery but also a call for accountability and systemic change within the child welfare system. Crystal Sorey’s legal action seeks to address the alleged failures that contributed to her daughter’s tragic death and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The case highlights the critical importance of thorough investigations, timely interventions, and diligent follow-up by child protective services to safeguard vulnerable children. The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for child welfare practices in New Hampshire and beyond.
Kayla Montgomery leaving court. (Court TV)
The Long Road Ahead
The legal battle ahead is likely to be lengthy and complex. The lawsuit against the State of New Hampshire and its agencies will require a thorough examination of the actions and decisions made leading up to Harmony’s death. The case will delve into the intricacies of child welfare procedures, investigative protocols, and the responsibilities of those entrusted with protecting children. The pursuit of justice for Harmony Montgomery continues, and this lawsuit represents a significant step in holding those accountable for the tragic loss of a young life.
