Massachusetts’ highest court is deliberating on whether to make audio recordings from the hearing that resulted in slain girl Harmony Montgomery being placed in the custody of her killer father.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, Harmony’s father, Adam Montgomery, who was convicted last year for her murder, gained custody in a Massachusetts courtroom before relocating with her to New Hampshire.
Born in 2014, Harmony lived primarily with her mother, Crystal Sorey, until 2019, with some time in foster care during Sorey’s battle with substance abuse. After Montgomery gained custody, he moved with Harmony to and his wife, Kayla Montgomery, to New Hampshire.
Court TV reports that no cameras were allowed at the February 2019 custody hearing but an audio recording exists. The recording became the center of Monday’s hearing.
At the hearing, Jennifer LaManna, representing LC Media, argued that the public interest in the custody case justified releasing the audio recording.
“The right to speak includes a right to listen,” LaManna said to the judge. “The freedom of the press encompasses the right to gather information.”
“Nobody knows. Not the legislature, not anybody outside the parties themselves and the OCA (Office of the Child Advocate), knows exactly what happened during that hearing that resulted in the court granting custody.”
MassLive reports that privacy laws in Juvenile Court exist to “protect children and families from the stigma associated with parents who struggle with substance abuse and those who commit heinous acts.”
LaManna contended that in this situation, where Montgomery does not object to the release and Sorey has openly acknowledged her substance abuse issues, the laws should not be applied to a state agency.
Boston’s 25 News reports that “some of the justices” agreed with LaMamna.
“This is one of those extreme cases where maybe the veil of privacy should be pierced,” Justice Delila Argaez Wendlandt said.
It is unclear when the justices will deliver a ruling in the case, as they frequently take several months to finalize their decisions.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Harmony Montgomery/Hamdout]
