MANCHESTER, N.H. (AP) A New Hampshire man was convicted of second-degree murder by a jury Thursday in the death of his 5-year-old daughter, who police believe was killed nearly two years before she was reported missing in 2021 and whose body was never found.

Adam Montgomery, 34, did not attend the trial and wasnt present when jurors returned their verdict. He had proclaimed his innocence, saying in court last year in an unrelated case that he loved Harmony Montgomery unconditionally.

I am grateful to the judge, jury, and Department of Justice for delivering justice for Harmony, New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu said in a statement. Adam Montgomery is a monster and deserves to spend the rest of his life in prison.