The search for Harmony Montgomery, missing since 2019 but only reported to police in December, has turned into a murder investigation.

State Attorney General John Formela said in an announcement on Thursday afternoon that investigators believe Harmony was murdered in early December 2019 when she was five years old. No arrests have been made, and no mention was made about her father Adam Montgomery or her stepmother Kayla Montgomery.

"At this point, while Harmony's remains have not yet been located, we do have multiple sources of investigative information including just recently confirmed biological information that have led us to this difficult and tragic conclusion," Formela said. "Our investigators will continue to seek justice and look into the circumstances of Harmony's murder and the search for her remains."

Formela called it "devastating news" for her family and friends, who held out hope she was still alive.

"Our work now turns to getting justice for Harmony and those who loved her," Formela said.

Now is the Time to Come Forward

Manchester Police Chief Alan Aldenberg said he was "beyond saddened," at the news and his department's priority is still to bring Harmony home. He acknowledged the many questions that surround the case, but said the ultimate responsibility lies with the person who took her life.

"The Manchester Police Department will do everything within the limits of the law to ensure that the responsible person or persons for the murder of Harmony are brought to Justice," Aldenberg said. "I maintain the stance that there are people in the community that have information about this investigation who have yet to come forward. If you are that person, I implore you to come forward now."

The special hotline established for tips about her case remains open at 603-203-6060.

The adoptive parents of her brother Jamison, Johnathon Bobbitt-Miller, expressed their love for Harmony in a tweet.

"We will forever love you Harmony. I’m sorry we never got to meet you and could not protect you. Jamison will always remember you. You are forever our wind," Bobbitt-Miller said.

Blair Miller said many steps were missed in the time leading to her disappearance, and promised to work for change.

"As we work to be part of the process to bring change to the system that failed Harmony and our son, we are aware that many aspects of Harmony and Jamison's cases should have been treated differently by those involved in the child welfare system," Blair Miller wrote.

He said that when Jamison feels the wind, it is his sister sending him a hug.

In a statement, Gov. Chris Sununu said the greatest fears of law enforcement were confirmed.

“I commend the tireless dedication of the law enforcement community for their unwavering efforts and commitment to transparency, and recognize they have much work ahead of them. We have come to know Harmony through her bright smiles in her photos and she will not be soon be forgotten by her fellow Granite Staters.”

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH

Trending Stories for Seacoast Current (August 1-7, 2022)

More From 102.9 WBLM