Five years after Harmony Montgomery’s murder, a state agency involved in her care asserts that it should not be held legally liable for her death, arguing that she was not in its custody at the time.

As CrimeOnline previously reported, Harmony was last seen alive in 2019, but authorities did not report her missing until nearly two years later. Her father, Adam Montgomery, has been convicted of her murder and admitted to disposing of her body, but he has not disclosed its whereabouts.

Crystal Sorey, Harmony’s biological mother, lost custody of her daughter before the murder and is suing the State of New Hampshire and its agencies for failing to protect her. A second amended lawsuit, filed on February 12, presents additional details related to the initial claims.

Court TV reports that the updated lawsuit reveals nearly 20 calls to the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services Division of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), showing that the assigned case agent failed to follow up or comply with agency policies regarding Harmony Montgomery.

Calls from various sources, including Adam Montgomery’s uncle, Kevin, and a Manchester police officer, painted a disturbing picture of the home. One call noted, “This is why children die… this child was punched clear in the eye socket with full force.” Other reports alleged that Harmony endured molestation, was forced to clean a toilet with a toothbrush, stood in a corner for hours, and witnessed drug abuse.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court is weighing the decision to release audio recordings from the custody hearing that transferred Harmony into her father’s care in New Hampshire.

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[Feature Photo: Harmony Montgomery/Handout]