Accused child killer Adam Montgomery, facing charges of second-degree murder for the beating death of his daughter, wants to go to trial later this month wearing leg shackles instead of a leg brace.

Montgomery, 33, is accused of murdering Harmony Montgomery, 5, by repeatedly striking her in the head with a closed fist. In addition to the second-degree murder charge, he faces accusations of assault, witness tampering, and falsifying physical evidence.

On Tuesday, at the Hillsborough County Superior Court in New Hampshire, shortly before jury selection, the defendant made the unconventional decision, according to ABC9.

“I was advised this morning that you preferred not to wear the leg brace and you wanted to be in the leg shackles, is that accurate?” Hillsborough Superior Court Judge Amy Messer asked the defendant.

Montgomery confirmed that he wanted to wear shackles and said he’s had “ample time” to talk it over with his lawyer.

As CrimeOnline previously reported, Harmony was officially reported missing in December 2021, although she had not been seen in years.

Adam Montgomery Probable Cause by Leigh Egan

Police received a call from Harmony’s biological mother, Crystal Sorey, on November 18, 2021. She said Adam Montgomery had physical custody of Harmony and she couldn’t get in touch with him.

Sorey said that she lost custody of Harmony in 2018 due to drug issues. Montgomery, according to Sorey, blocked her calls and blocked her from social media, and didn’t allow her to speak to Harmony after Easter 2019.

He was later charged with Harmony’s murder after his ex-wife, Kayla Montgomery, told police that he hit Harmony three times after she had a bathroom accident inside a vehicle, knocking her unconscious.

Kayla Montgomery told investigators that no one checked on the victim and didn’t get her medical help. Harmony subsequently passed away, police said, although her body is still missing.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin on February 6. The judge is expected to decide whether the charges should be split into two trials before jury selection. It’s unclear whether another hearing will take place before the trial.

Check back for updates.

For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.

[Feature Photo: Harmony Montgomery/NHPD]