In a highly anticipated trial, a jury has delivered a verdict of guilty against Adam Montgomery for the murder of his 5-year-old daughter, Harmony. After deliberating for approximately a day, the jury also found Montgomery, 34, guilty of several additional charges, including second-degree assault, falsifying physical evidence, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with a witness and informants.

The sentencing for Montgomery is expected to be scheduled sometime after April 1, with a potential delay until May. Prosecutors have expressed their intention to request that Montgomery be present for the sentencing, although he was not in court as the verdicts were read, and he had not attended the trial since the jury selection process.

The announcement of the guilty verdicts brought a mixture of emotions in the courtroom, filled with reporters, law enforcement, and the families involved. Harmony's mother, Crystal Sorey, locked arms with her daughter's foster mother as they awaited the verdicts. As the verdicts were read, an audible sigh of relief could be heard throughout the room. Sorey expressed her relief, stating that while it is not over, she now has some peace knowing that Montgomery is being held accountable for his actions. She highlighted Montgomery's mistaken belief that Harmony did not matter and that no one would miss her.

This verdict marks the culmination of an investigation that began on New Year's Eve 2021, when authorities announced they were searching for Harmony, who had not been seen for two years. In August 2022, the investigation shifted its focus to a homicide case, as it was believed that Harmony had been killed. Subsequently, in October 2022, Adam Montgomery was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

Following the announcement of the verdicts, Senior Assistant Attorney General Ben Agati emphasized that despite the trial's conclusion, the investigation remains ongoing as Harmony's remains have yet to be recovered. Montgomery was found guilty of disposing of her remains in an attempt to conceal his crime. Agati asserted that Montgomery knows the location of Harmony's remains.

Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg expressed pride in his officers and gratitude towards the prosecutors for their work, but acknowledged that the search for Harmony's remains must continue. He emphasized that this young girl deserved a better life than the one she had experienced.

Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Harmony's remains to contact the tip line established by the Manchester police at 603-932-8997. Agati praised the dedication of the Manchester police force, with approximately 25% of the department involved in the investigation of Harmony's disappearance and murder.

Adam Montgomery now faces a prison sentence of 35 years to life for the second-degree murder charge. Agati emphasized that this minimum sentence is appropriate as the victim was under the age of 13. The felony charges of second-degree assault, falsifying physical evidence, and tampering with a witness carry sentences ranging from 3½ to seven years in prison, while the abuse of a corpse misdemeanor charge carries a maximum sentence of 12 months in jail.

As the trial drew to a close, the defense rested without calling a witness, and the jurors heard the closing arguments on Wednesday. Legal analysts have highlighted the intricacies of the case and how the jurors arrived at their guilty verdict for murder.

While justice has been served with the conviction of Adam Montgomery, the search for Harmony's remains serves as a solemn reminder that closure for her loved ones still remains elusive.