NH HARMONY MONTGOMERY: Missing from Manchester, NH - Nov/Dec 2019 (Reported December 2021) - Age 5 *GUILTY*

Girl last seen in Manchester in October 2019; police seek tips from public

Manchester police said they are "begging" for tips from the public about the disappearance of a girl not seen in more than two years.

www.wmur.com

Girl last seen in Manchester in October 2019; police seek tips from public​

Manchester police are seeking tips from the public about the disappearance of a girl not seen in more than two years.

Harmony Montgomery, 7, was last seen in a home in Manchester in October 2019, when she was 5, police said.

Police said they first learned Harmony went missing earlier this week. Chief Allen Aldenberg did not specify who reported the girl missing but said his department has been in touch with multiple family members and will continue to speak with them.

Aldenberg said police are not searching for any adult or vehicle in connection with the case. Investigators are focusing on the whereabouts of Harmony.

"No time is a good time for a child to go missing," Aldenberg said. "I'm begging the community. I don't care if you saw this young girl a year ago and you think it's irrelevant. Call us."

Aldenberg said at a news conference Friday his detectives are working to confirm where Harmony is from and where she went to school before her disappearance.

Harmony is estimated to be approximately 4 feet tall and 50 pounds. Investigators said she has blonde hair, blue eyes and should be wearing glasses.

"We need help," Aldenberg said. "This remains a very active investigation."


MEDIA - HARMONY MONTGOMERY: Missing from Manchester, NH since October 2019 (Reported December 2021) - Age 5

 

[GrandmaBear]

Judge rules missing 5-year-old girl legally dead weeks after father convicted of killing her

A judge has ruled that a 5-year-old New Hampshire girl missing since 2019 is legally dead and her mother can become administrator of her estate, just weeks after the child’s father was convicted of killing her.

apnews.com

BY KATHY MCCORMACK
Updated 1:06 PM EDT, March 12, 2024

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A judge has ruled that a 5-year-old New Hampshire girl missing since 2019 is legally dead and her mother can become administrator of her estate, just weeks after the child’s father was convicted of killing her.

Crystal Sorey “has carried her burden to demonstrate” that her daughter, Harmony Montgomery, was killed “as a result of some catastrophic event” and that her body has not been found, a probate judge said in an order made public Tuesday, a day after Sorey went to court.

Sorey is taking the first steps in preparation of a planned wrongful death lawsuit against the state regarding Harmony Montgomery. Her lawyer told the judge that Adam Montgomery’s second-degree murder conviction, plus his admission of guilt to lesser charges that he moved his daughter’s body around for months afterward and falsified physical evidence, was enough to result in a legal death declaration.

I actually watched this hearing and there are several steps in it they have to do and follow as they proceed but the lawyer will take care of that I'm sure. The one representing her in having her declared dead is not the wrongful death attorney/s.

He never showed of course but had the right to and had some prison or jail guard or guy show up to express his intent to send a letter or some such. Sorry, if he wanted to argue it or show up, he had the chance. The ruling has already come and I imagine he's still working on his letter ha ha. He has no reason for such other than to try to not appear but insert his sh*t or worry mom and so on.

He had better have to show up at his sentencing. Such needs to be stopped. This kind of hearing, on a different matter, don't appear or argue it, that's fine, then it is an automatic granting to the other party in my opinion and should be.

I also think it isn't out there to think a defendant who demanded a jury trial should have to be present at what he demanded. Who ever thought anyone would ever have to say such or this would be the new thing going on all of a sudden in not just this case but others? I don't agree with it but if Adam's issue was being strip searched (which I don't believe) they can at least be made to attend by Webex or Zoom. I don't agree with that either but no attendance I certainly don't.

A witness who wants nothing to do with a case at all and asked to never be in it and did nothing can be subpoenaed and in trouble if ignores that summons. A defendant in his own proceedings doesn't have to be though...

Who is changing this stuff and letting it go on. This country needs some serious help and change, not that it's not already almost too late.

 

[Summer_Breeze]

House panel embraces bill spurred by Adam Montgomery trial

Mar. 20—CONCORD — Sparked by the Adam Montgomery murder trial, a House committee unanimously endorsed legislation Wednesday to require that Class A felony defendants must attend their trials in person unless a judge agrees that an absence is advisable for "good cause shown." Montgomery was...

www.aol.com

House panel embraces bill spurred by Adam Montgomery trial​

KEVIN LANDRIGAN, THE NEW HAMPSHIRE UNION LEADER, MANCHESTER
March 20, 2024 at 6:51 PM

Mar. 20—CONCORD — Sparked by the Adam Montgomery murder trial, a House committee unanimously endorsed legislation Wednesday to require that Class A felony defendants must attend their trials in person unless a judge agrees that an absence is advisable for "good cause shown."

Montgomery was absent for much of his trial that ended with convictions for second-degree murder, assault and other charges in connection with the beating death of his 5-year-old daughter, Harmony, on Dec. 7, 2019.

State prosecutors have asked the judge to compel attendance at the May 9 sentencing for Montgomery who has already informed court officials that he won't be there.

House Speaker Emeritus Stephen Shurtleff, D-Penacook, said crime victims and their families should have defendants present for trial, especially for sentencing when these they can can read witness statements often addressed to them.

"A victim witness statement would be read to an empty chair at the defense table, and I don't think that's right," Shurtleff told the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee.

As written, the bill (HB 1713) would apply to anyone charged with the felonies that carry up to a 15-year term in state prison.

The panel voted, 15-0, in support of the measure, but a few Democrats on the committee said they will likely present a floor amendment in hopes of narrowing its scope.

State Rep. David Meuse, D-Portsmouth, questioned the fairness of compelling attendance for all defendants, even those later judged to be innocent of any crime.

Rep. Linda Harriott-Gathright, D-Nashua, also called the measure a "good bill," while adding it may need more work.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

More at link. ~Summer

 

[GrandmaBear]

House panel embraces bill spurred by Adam Montgomery trial

Mar. 20—CONCORD — Sparked by the Adam Montgomery murder trial, a House committee unanimously endorsed legislation Wednesday to require that Class A felony defendants must attend their trials in person unless a judge agrees that an absence is advisable for "good cause shown." Montgomery was...

www.aol.com

House panel embraces bill spurred by Adam Montgomery trial​

KEVIN LANDRIGAN, THE NEW HAMPSHIRE UNION LEADER, MANCHESTER
March 20, 2024 at 6:51 PM

Mar. 20—CONCORD — Sparked by the Adam Montgomery murder trial, a House committee unanimously endorsed legislation Wednesday to require that Class A felony defendants must attend their trials in person unless a judge agrees that an absence is advisable for "good cause shown."

Montgomery was absent for much of his trial that ended with convictions for second-degree murder, assault and other charges in connection with the beating death of his 5-year-old daughter, Harmony, on Dec. 7, 2019.

State prosecutors have asked the judge to compel attendance at the May 9 sentencing for Montgomery who has already informed court officials that he won't be there.

House Speaker Emeritus Stephen Shurtleff, D-Penacook, said crime victims and their families should have defendants present for trial, especially for sentencing when these they can can read witness statements often addressed to them.

"A victim witness statement would be read to an empty chair at the defense table, and I don't think that's right," Shurtleff told the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee.

As written, the bill (HB 1713) would apply to anyone charged with the felonies that carry up to a 15-year term in state prison.

The panel voted, 15-0, in support of the measure, but a few Democrats on the committee said they will likely present a floor amendment in hopes of narrowing its scope.

State Rep. David Meuse, D-Portsmouth, questioned the fairness of compelling attendance for all defendants, even those later judged to be innocent of any crime.

Rep. Linda Harriott-Gathright, D-Nashua, also called the measure a "good bill," while adding it may need more work.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

More at link. ~Summer

Thank you for sharing this!!! This is AS IT SHOULD BE.

He already "informed" court officials he won't be there. Adam the controlling head of all things. A little girl. His wife (arguably not the best best person but I believe under his abuse as well), and the court and jail as to whether he will deign to attend the trial and sentencing he asked for. There was always something wrong with that and VICTIMS deserve their DAY as well.

The ones that question he fairness of compelling attendance? THEY ASKED FOR THE TRIAL.


Hey everyone I am going to throw a big birthday party for me. I expect the rest of you to HAVE TO BE THERE (and most HAVE TO BE, witnesses, etc.) but I won't be but bring me gifts and give a speech to my picture would ya? It's ludicrous he did not have to attend. The defendant has better things to do than bother attending but you all MUST.

I hope more states where this could happen follow suit. And to the ones not sure of the fairness well again, everyone else has to and it is the trial THEY requested. Duh. Whether innocent or guilty,they are having one to prove their innocence no? I find Meuse's comment ludicrous.

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Adam Montgomery asks judge to excuse him from sentencing hearing for murder conviction

Adam Montgomery, who was found guilty last month of murdering his 5-year-old daughter, Harmony, has asked a judge to excuse him from appearing at his sentencing.

www.wmur.com

Updated: 12:39 PM EDT Mar 29, 2024
Tim Callery
News Reporter

MANCHESTER, N.H. —
Adam Montgomery, who was found guilty last month of murdering his 5-year-old daughter, Harmony, has asked a judge to excuse him from appearing at his sentencing.

Montgomery's sentencing hearing is scheduled for May.

In a motion filed by his attorney, Montgomery said he maintains his innocence and has asked the court to excuse his appearance at the hearing.

Last month, a jury found Montgomery guilty of second-degree murder and other charges connected to the 2019 killing of his daughter, Harmony. Montgomery did not show up to court throughout the trial.

The state filed a motion earlier this week asking the court to order Montgomery to appear, citing a 2016 law that mandates the presence of a defendant for victim impact statements.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Adam Montgomery asks judge to excuse him from sentencing hearing for murder conviction

Adam Montgomery, who was found guilty last month of murdering his 5-year-old daughter, Harmony, has asked a judge to excuse him from appearing at his sentencing.

www.wmur.com

Updated: 12:39 PM EDT Mar 29, 2024
Tim Callery
News Reporter

MANCHESTER, N.H. —
Adam Montgomery, who was found guilty last month of murdering his 5-year-old daughter, Harmony, has asked a judge to excuse him from appearing at his sentencing.

Montgomery's sentencing hearing is scheduled for May.

In a motion filed by his attorney, Montgomery said he maintains his innocence and has asked the court to excuse his appearance at the hearing.

Last month, a jury found Montgomery guilty of second-degree murder and other charges connected to the 2019 killing of his daughter, Harmony. Montgomery did not show up to court throughout the trial.

The state filed a motion earlier this week asking the court to order Montgomery to appear, citing a 2016 law that mandates the presence of a defendant for victim impact statements.

I think what really stands out is he is exerting control yet and the only control he has. I think it says a lot about even though I'm not a fan, what Kayla dealt with and most certainly what an innocent child even more so did.

ORDER him to APPEAR. Don't be some chicken arse. Order it and give the solid reasons for doing so AND the 2016 law for instance. Worried about appeal or some such? DO IT ANYHOW. Any higher court that would change this or not uphold it AFTER one is convicted would be proof we are too far gone anyhow with our system. BE A JUDGE WHO ENFORCES THIS.

Do it for Harmony. PLEASE.

Thank you for the update

 

[Cousin Dupree]

Adam Montgomery asks judge to excuse him from sentencing hearing for murder conviction

Adam Montgomery, who was found guilty last month of murdering his 5-year-old daughter, Harmony, has asked a judge to excuse him from appearing at his sentencing.

www.wmur.com

Updated: 12:39 PM EDT Mar 29, 2024
Tim Callery
News Reporter

MANCHESTER, N.H. —
Adam Montgomery, who was found guilty last month of murdering his 5-year-old daughter, Harmony, has asked a judge to excuse him from appearing at his sentencing.

Montgomery's sentencing hearing is scheduled for May.

In a motion filed by his attorney, Montgomery said he maintains his innocence and has asked the court to excuse his appearance at the hearing.

Last month, a jury found Montgomery guilty of second-degree murder and other charges connected to the 2019 killing of his daughter, Harmony. Montgomery did not show up to court throughout the trial.

The state filed a motion earlier this week asking the court to order Montgomery to appear, citing a 2016 law that mandates the presence of a defendant for victim impact statements.

What a wuss.

 

[GrandmaBear]

What a wuss.

Yeah wusses generally show their colors if one watches and picks up on it and some show up together like clock work together each and every time. Not talking Adam per se not sure he has a buddy, just those with agendas and control issues. One sees more and more of it every day if one watches and notices.

 

[Cousin Dupree]

Yeah wusses generally show their colors if one watches and picks up on it and some show up together like clock work together each and every time. Not talking Adam per se not sure he has a buddy, just those with agendas and control issues. One sees more and more of it every day if one watches and notices.

IIRC, they just passed a law in the state that defendants must attend every day of the trial.

 

[GrandmaBear]

IIRC, they just passed a law in the state that defendants must attend every day of the trial.

But is it passed and enacted? just a few post above here is where it is and it mentions what it "would" do and there's mention of making amendments when it comes to the 'floor.

I too thought it was passed but now I'm not so sure.

Also, he made a request to the judge--even if it was passed, could she grant it? She let him not come to the entire trial. Personally I don't think she would grant it (or I'd hope) if such was passed but again I'm not so sure it is. And if it is, I'm not sure it is enacted yet.

It doesn't seem to me this bothers too many but I think it's reprehensible particularly once someone is convicted that victims don't get their day to tell him what he's done to them and that he doesn't have to face the judge, the speech and his sentence.

Contrary to what some think, things are NOT all weighted for the state, defendants and convinced criminals have gained much and their "rights" have gone too far in many an instance. Case in point right here if he is allowed to do this. He is no longer an until innocent defendant either, he's convicted.

 

[Guess Who]

IIRC, they just passed a law in the state that defendants must attend every day of the trial.

per article it's for requirement to attend victim impact statements

"The state filed a motion earlier this week asking the court to order Montgomery to appear, citing a 2016 law that mandates the presence of a defendant for victim impact statements."

 

[GrandmaBear]

Yeah that law exists and can be used thank goodness. The new one I'm not sure is passed or enacted yet.

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Yeah that law exists and can be used thank goodness. The new one I'm not sure is passed or enacted yet.

The new one mentioned in article linked above is proposed and is not passed yet. Still with the House Panel (committee). It's got a ways to go yet.

 

[GrandmaBear]

The new one mentioned in article linked above is proposed and is not passed yet. Still with the House Panel (committee). It's got a ways to go yet.

Thank you for the info. That's the impression I got. News never seems to cover all but I'd say the county is clearly hearing outrage from people upset he did not have to attend trial and now is trying to not attend sentencing and act as if he has every right to do as he so pleases. Hence the mention of the older law. He is now convicted and he should have to be there for VISs and sentencing. I am trying not to blame the judge for not forcing him to attend trial but it seems with this part the are looking for and have something to hang their hat on to make him attend with the older law. And I'm sure it is reason for the attempts for the new law.

As far as I'm concerned with the trial even it is as simple as this. You requested one or demanded a trial to prove your innocent and if you do, you have to be there. Simple. You can't demand a birthday party and friends and family go all out at your demand at great cost and not attend either in simpler timers. Nope. I know it is a silly comparison, just saying if you want one for YOU then YOU have to be there. You have a RIGHT to face your accuser, well that should work the other way as well.

What happened here is disgusting and just another slap (like the poor girl didn't have enough and WORSE) to Harmony.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Harmony Montgomery's dad ordered to be at sentencing after skipping murder trial

A judge has ruled that Adam Montgomery, convicted of killing his 5-year-old daughter Harmony, must appear in person for his upcoming sentencing after he didn’t attend his trial.

www.nbcboston.com

Harmony Montgomery's dad ordered to be at sentencing after skipping murder trial​

A judge has ruled that a New Hampshire man convicted of killing his 5-year-old daughter must appear in person for his upcoming sentencing after he didn’t attend his trial.


State law says that in second-degree murder cases, “The defendant shall personally appear in court when the victim or victim’s next of kin addresses the judge, unless excused by the court.”

The attorney general's office said in March that Harmony Montgomery’s next of kin and others would be addressing the judge at the sentencing, so it was mandatory for Adam Montgomery to show up.

“Although the statute allows the judge to exercise its discretion to excuse a defendant from this obligation, the court does not find that the defendant has raised an adequate factual or legal basis to do so here,” Judge Amy Messer wrote in her order Friday.

Messer wrote that the county sheriff's office “shall take all necessary steps” to ensure that Montgomery appears in person.

The Montgomery case spurred a bill in the state Legislature requiring people charged with serious crimes to be present for the reading of verdicts and at sentencing hearings. The bill passed in the House and awaits action in the Senate.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Harmony Montgomery's dad ordered to be at sentencing after skipping murder trial

A judge has ruled that Adam Montgomery, convicted of killing his 5-year-old daughter Harmony, must appear in person for his upcoming sentencing after he didn’t attend his trial.

www.nbcboston.com

Harmony Montgomery's dad ordered to be at sentencing after skipping murder trial​

A judge has ruled that a New Hampshire man convicted of killing his 5-year-old daughter must appear in person for his upcoming sentencing after he didn’t attend his trial.


State law says that in second-degree murder cases, “The defendant shall personally appear in court when the victim or victim’s next of kin addresses the judge, unless excused by the court.”

The attorney general's office said in March that Harmony Montgomery’s next of kin and others would be addressing the judge at the sentencing, so it was mandatory for Adam Montgomery to show up.

“Although the statute allows the judge to exercise its discretion to excuse a defendant from this obligation, the court does not find that the defendant has raised an adequate factual or legal basis to do so here,” Judge Amy Messer wrote in her order Friday.

Messer wrote that the county sheriff's office “shall take all necessary steps” to ensure that Montgomery appears in person.

The Montgomery case spurred a bill in the state Legislature requiring people charged with serious crimes to be present for the reading of verdicts and at sentencing hearings. The bill passed in the House and awaits action in the Senate.

FINALLY what is ONLY RIGHT! He got a pass on trial. Harmony got a pass on nothing at his hands. And he should have to listen to family/loved ones. He is CONVICTED NOW. Way to go JUDGE. However that this could even occur shows what is going on these days, the nonatendance I mean even at trial. That sick could EVER be an issue or allowed.

Laws could be simplified and I think started out that way. Here's a simple one: WE did not insist on trial you asked for trial which is your RIGHT but since you asked for one yeah duh you have to be here. This world has gone so stupid it is not even funny.

 

[Kimster]

Head's up: Adam's sentencing is tomorrow.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Head's up: Adam's sentencing is tomorrow.

I wouldn't have known or recalled but for this post. GOOD. Hope it is everything a judge can throw at him for what this girl, his child, endured and suffered and then the continual abuse of her body and desecration.

I hope to see as strong of justice as can be GIVEN.

 

[Cousin Dupree]

Head's up: Adam's sentencing is tomorrow.

has to be there too!

 

[GrandmaBear]

has to be there too!

He BETTER have to BE.

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Live hearing at 1 p.m.: Adam Montgomery arrives at courthouse for murder sentencing

News 9 Investigates has learned that Adam Montgomery has arrived at the courthouse ahead of the sentencing hearing scheduled for 1 p.m.

www.wmur.com

Updated: 12:26 PM EDT May 9, 2024
KC Downey
Digital Media Manager

>> HOW TO WATCH: See Thursday's sentencing hearing around 1 p.m. It will air live on WMUR-TV and stream live in a video player at the top of this article on WMUR.com and inside the WMUR app. It will also stream on Very Local and YouTube. <<

View live, time-stamped updates about Thursday's sentencing hearing below:

Noon​

Legal analyst Patricia LaFrance says victim-impact statements will be an important part of the sentencing, and she noted that since Harmony can't speak for herself, others will have to. LaFrance also said there may be opportunities for Adam Montgomery to reach a plea deal if he offers information on where he disposed of Harmony's remains. Adam Montgomery is facing two additional trials, so a deal could be worked out related to those.

10:39 a.m.​

News 9 Investigates has learned that Adam Montgomery has arrived at the courthouse ahead of the sentencing hearing scheduled for 1 p.m. Until now, it was unclear whether he would show up for the hearing after he declined to appear for most of his murder trial. A judge later ordered him to appear for the sentencing hearing.