Fri Sep 13 20:36:00 UTC 2024: ## New Hampshire Social Workers Accused of Negligence in Death of 5-Year-Old Harmony Montgomery

**Meredith, NH** – 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 New Hampshire Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). The lawsuit alleges that DCYF ignored numerous warning signs of abuse prior to Harmony’s death, despite receiving multiple reports from various individuals concerned for the child’s welfare.

The lawsuit details reports made to the DCYF from Harmony’s uncle, Kevin Montgomery, who witnessed the child being physically abused and neglected by her father. These included incidents of Harmony returning from Florida with a black eye, being forced to scrub a bathroom with a toothbrush as punishment, and being made to stand in a corner for hours. Kevin Montgomery also reported that the electricity was shut off at his nephew’s home and that he found drug paraphernalia. Despite his persistent efforts, he claims that his concerns were ignored and dismissed by the DCYF.

Neighbors and other individuals also reported concerns about the household, but the lawsuit alleges that the DCYF failed to take appropriate action in response to these numerous red flags.

Adam Montgomery was sentenced to a minimum of 56 years in prison in May for Harmony’s murder. He was convicted of killing his daughter and moving her body around for months before disposing of it. Harmony’s body has never been found.

The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and unspecified monetary damages. The New Hampshire Attorney General’s office said it would review the complaint and “respond as appropriate.”

This lawsuit highlights the tragic consequences of inaction in the face of clear warnings of child abuse and neglect. It remains to be seen how the DCYF will respond to these serious allegations and what steps they will take to ensure such tragedies are prevented in the future.

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