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The search for missing Manchester girl Harmony Montgomery is now a homicide investigation, law enforcement officials said Thursday.
Attorney General John Formella said investigators now believe that Harmony was killed in early December 2019.
He said the investigation is now a homicide investigation. >> News conference videos: NH AG Formella | Manchester Chief Aldenberg "We understand that this is truly devastating news for Harmony's family, friends and loved ones," Formella said. "Our hearts go out to them." It was believed that Harmony went missing between Nov. 28 and Dec. 10, 2019, when she was 5 years old, but police did not learn of her disappearance for more than two years. >> Timeline in the disappearance of 8-year-old Harmony Montgomery "I really thought I was going to bring her home," said Crystal Sorey, Harmony's mother. "I come to find out she was never even missing.
She's been gone this whole time." Formella said Harmony's remains have not been located, but recently confirmed biological evidence and multiple sources of information have led investigators to the conclusion that she was killed.
He did not provide any information about the evidence.
An emotional Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg said he was saddened that it has transformed into a homicide investigation. "As I stated from the beginning of this investigation and throughout, every effort has been made to bring Harmony home to her family," he said. "Our commitment to bringing Harmony home has not wavered, nor will it." He urged anyone with information to come forward and call the tip line that has been set up at 603-203-6060. "The time is now.
Time to step up and do the right thing," Aldenberg said. "Make a call to that tip line or contact the Manchester Police Department any way you see fit.
Harmony is a sweet, innocent child who deserves to be brought home to her family and her friends." "We're begging you to give any information you know," Sorey said. "We just want to find her remains so we can lay her to rest." Officials did not take any questions at the news conference announcing the homicide investigation. "Our greatest fears were confirmed today, and now our efforts shift to ensuring justice for Harmony," Gov.
Chris Sununu said in a written statement. "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." New Hampshire Child Advocate Cassandra Sanchez called the news heartbreaking, especially after seeing how the state came together to push for answers in the case. "I just am so hopeful that law enforcement can charge somebody, that there can be justice for this child," Sanchez said. "She truly deserves it, as does her family, so I truly hope that people will work together to bring out the information law enforcement is looking for to solidify a case and bring charges forward." Sanchez said the focus of her offices will continue to be learning from the case to help protect children in the future.
Harmony's biological brother Jamison was adopted by a couple, who also tried to adopt Harmony. >> Blair Miller, Johnathon Bobbitt-Miller release statement on loss of adopted son's sister Harmony Montgomery In a statement they said, "Harmony should be enjoying the fun that kids experience each summer.
Instead, we're all left with a depth of sadness that we struggle to accept or understand.
Our son, Jamison, will forever be challenged with trying to understand the brutal and senseless loss of his sister." A 24-hour tip line is open for anyone who has information about Harmony.
Anyone with any information can call or text 603-203-6060 .
Watch a timeline of the investigation in the player below. -- Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. source