Harmony Montgomery: Mother appeals to declare 5-year-old daughter legally dead as body remains undiscovered

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CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE: Crystal Sorey, the mother of Harmony Montgomery, is appealing to have her 5-year-old daughter declared legally dead as her body remains undiscovered since her tragic murder in 2019 by her father, Adam Montgomery.

Harmony's unsettling story unfolded when, at the age of 5, she fell victim to her father's brutal act in 2019. Adam was convicted in February for beating his daughter to death and concealing her body in a duffel bag, a cooler, and a ceiling vent for an extended period.

Inside Harmony Montgomery disturbing living condition

Harmony's early years were marked by instability, living in multiple homes with a foster family and her biological mother, Crystal, who openly admitted to struggling with substance abuse.

Due to her challenges, the mother lost custody of Harmony to Adam, a career criminal with addiction issues, in 2018.

Kayla Montgomery claims to have witnessed Harmony's murder

Despite her father's conviction, Harmony's body has never been found, and she has not been legally declared dead. Following Adam's guilty verdict, prosecutors expressed their commitment to continuing the search for the little girl's body.

In a parallel development, Kayla Montgomery, who was married to Adam and testified about witnessing Harmony's murder during his trial, has been granted parole and is set to be released from prison on May 3.

Crystal Sorey's unwavering effort to bring daughter home

Crystal, determined to bring her daughter home, shared her plans, stating, "I don't plan on burying her. I plan on bringing her home, cremating her so she can stay with me where she belonged," reported Court TV.

In her appeal, the mother is not only requesting the court to formally declare Harmony dead but also seeking to be named as the head of her estate.

Currently, both Crystal and Adam are listed as heirs. Despite the estate being listed with a monetary value of $0, the mother wishes to expedite the hearing to file a wrongful death lawsuit on Harmony's behalf, without specifying against whom the lawsuit will be filed.

While Crystal is expected to attend the hearing on Monday, March 11, Adam has refused transport but may appear virtually.