A large search was underway for hours Tuesday at a home in Manchester, New Hampshire, where the father and stepmother of Harmony Montgomery used to live.
Numerous local, state and federal agencies were at a residence on Union Street near Orange Street where Adam and Kayla Montgomery previously lived in the continued search for the missing girl who was last seen in late 2019 when she was 5 years old.
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"I've also gone to that address two or three times myself," said Harmony's mother, Crystal Sorey. "Handing out posters and knocking on doors and handing out flyers."
Investigators in white hazmat suits came and went from the property all Tuesday morning, and a green tent was set up where it appeared crews were processing evidence as it was being collected from the apartment.
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At one point, investigators could be seen bringing a refrigerator into the building, and later, a refrigerator labeled "biohazard" was brought out — something Sorey asked her case advocate about.
"She said that they took the refrigerator and the sheet rock because most likely, it has some type of evidence on it," said Sorey. "Fingerprints, something."
An FBI evidence response team, Manchester police and Hillsborough County sheriff’s deputies were on scene and had an entire block of Union Street shut down, from Orange Street to Pearl Street.
They were expected to continue investigating at the location into the evening, federal, state and local authorities said in a statement, cautioning the public not to speculate about items being removed: "In order to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, officials will not be disclosing what items are being sought and what, if any, evidence is located."
Nobody has been charged in connection with her disappearance but her, father Adam Montgomery, and stepmother, Kayla Montgomery, are facing charges related to the case.
"I'm really trying to hold on to hope, but I'm struggling," said Sorey. "It has been a really emotional day. Very overwhelming."
Sorey sent a statement to NBC10 Boston earlier Tuesday as the search at the home was underway.
"This search is a big piece of the puzzle in finding Harmony to bring her home where she belongs! I’m hoping the search will help us get answers," she said. "We won't stop fighting no matter what."
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Police have been investigating Harmony’s disappearance, which they believe occurred between Nov. 28 and Dec. 10 of 2019. But she wasn't reported missing until about two years later.
TIMELINE: The Search for Harmony Montgomery
Harmony had been living with the pair in Manchester when she was last seen. Harmony's mom has said she believes her daughter is still alive and is praying for her safe return.
Harmony's stepmother, 31-year-old Kayla Montgomery, was recently arrested on two counts of perjury for lying to a grand jury about a prior work location and the time of a work shift. She waived her arraignment earlier this month.
Kayla Montgomery was previously charged with theft by deception after police said she falsely claimed that her stepdaughter was living with her in order to collect welfare benefits. She has pleaded not guilty and was released on bail last month.
Adam Montgomery, Harmony’s father, has been indicted on an assault charge alleging that he struck Harmony in the face in July 2019. He’s also accused of unrelated firearms theft charges and has pleaded not guilty.
The Office of the Child Advocate in Massachusetts released the findings of a multi-system investigation into the case last month, which found that her overall safety and wellbeing were not prioritized.
The report offered details about Harmony's tumultuous childhood, including that she was placed in the custody of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families in 2014, when she was two months old. She remained in the custody of the DCF until February 2019, when a judge granted custody to her father, Adam Montgomery, despite his extensive criminal history.
Law enforcement is asking for the public’s help in locating Harmony. Anyone with information is asked to call or text the 24-hour tip line dedicated to her rescue at 603-203-6060.
