The mother of Harmony Montgomery, a 5-year-old girl who was murdered by her father Adam Montgomery, has filed a negligence lawsuit against the state of New Hampshire, alleging that social workers failed to act on numerous reports of abuse prior to the child’s death. The lawsuit details concerns raised by family members and neighbors about Harmony’s welfare under her father’s care, including reports of physical abuse and neglect. Adam Montgomery was sentenced to at least 56 years in prison for killing his daughter and hiding her body for months before disposing of it.
The lawsuit alleges that the father’s uncle, Kevin Montgomery, contacted the agency multiple times to report incidents of abuse, including Harmony returning from a trip with a black eye and being subjected to punishment such as scrubbing a bathroom with a toothbrush and standing in a corner for hours. Kevin also raised concerns about the household’s living conditions and possible drug paraphernalia. Despite his repeated reports and frustration with the agency’s lack of action, Harmony continued to suffer from serious physical and emotional abuse, ultimately leading to her death.
During Adam Montgomery’s trial, Harmony’s stepmother testified that the family had been living in a car after being evicted and that Adam had punched Harmony multiple times in anger, leading to her death. She described how they discovered the girl’s body after their car broke down and the various places where her body was hidden. Harmony’s mother stated that she last saw her daughter in April 2019 during a video call and later reported her missing to the police. The case received widespread attention when Harmony was reported missing in 2021.
The negligence lawsuit seeks a jury trial and unspecified monetary damages for the state’s failure to protect Harmony from abuse and neglect. The Attorney General’s office has stated that they will review the complaint and respond accordingly. Judge Amy Messer noted Adam Montgomery’s extensive criminal record during his trial and his extreme indifference to human life. The tragic case highlights the importance of swift and thorough action by child protective services agencies to prevent such horrific incidents from occurring in the future. The lawsuit serves as a reminder of the need for accountability in cases of child abuse and the importance of listening to and acting on reports of abuse to protect vulnerable children.
