(File photo) One of several photos and posters investigators provided during the search for Harmony Montgomery, whose father, Adam, was charged Monday in her death.

By PAULA TRACY

InDepthNH.org

MANCHESTER – Adam Montgomery, the biological father of Harmony Montgomery, has been charged in the girl’s death, according to Attorney General John Formella, who alleges that 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.

Montgomery, 32, of Manchester, who is being held in jail on unrelated weapons charges, was transported to Manchester police headquarters at about 10:30 a.m. Monday and charged with four crimes.

They include:

(Manchester police photo) Adam Montgomery, age 32, currently incarcerated at Valley Street jail, Manchester

* 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.”

* 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.”

Montgomery is expected to be arraigned Tuesday on all four charges in the Hillsborough County Superior Court – Northern District in Manchester.

Formella and Manchester police Chief Allen Aldenberg said at a Monday afternoon press conference that the work continues on the case, and Manchester police continue to investigate it. They ask anyone 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.

Formella, at Monday’s roughly 15-minute conference, announced “another major step” in the probe, and expressed his gratitude to Aldenberg, his staff, and all those who have been working the 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,” Aldenberg said.

“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,” he added.

Aldenberg also asked that, in memory of Harmony, “we all make every effort to do something nice for a child today. I know of no other way…,” he said, his voice breaking, “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, Formella said, were made possible from “multiple sources and biological evidence.”

Harmony Montgomery was reported missing two years after she was last seen alive. She was 5 years old at the time.

Montgomery, 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 Harmony to be with her mother in Massachusetts around Thanksgiving 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 Harmony’s murder.

Only 10 months ago, police determined she had been murdered.

No body has been located, but police did obtain a search warrant for Adam and Kayla Montgomery’s former home on Union Street in Manchester where evidence — including an entire refrigerator — was removed from the apartment.

Formella said, “While today’s arrest is a major step in this investigation, there still is much work to come.

“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,” he said.

“Our hearts go out, especially to Harmony’s family.”

Kayla Montgomery, meanwhile, was charged with welfare fraud for accepting benefits for Harmony when she wasn’t living in the household. She was jailed, then released on bail, but last month she was returned to jail on accusations she violated her bail conditions.

Gov. Chris Sununu on Monday said in a statement that state officials “are leaving no stone unturned to ensure justice for Harmony.

“A huge thank you to the tireless dedication of law enforcement and their unwavering efforts,” Sununu added. “We have full confidence they will ensure Adam Montgomery is held accountable for his evil actions.”