How often does our system fail to protect the most vulnerable, especially children? This poignant question is at the heart of a recent episode of the "Hidden Killers" podcast, where hosts Tony Brueski and retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke delve into the tragic case of Harmony, a young girl whose life was marked by abuse and systemic failure.

Brueski expresses his frustration, describing the court appearance of the accused, Adam Montgomery: "When he did show up to court, he was smiling, kind of joking around, feeling, looking jovial." This behavior, Dreeke suggests, is a manifestation of a self-serving mindset, devoid of empathy or concern for others. Dreeke explains that in such a mental state, actions are "completely self-serving, no empathy towards others, no desire to even have a context about your behaviors and the impact on others, completely incapable of it."

The discussion then turns to the systemic failings that allowed Harmony's plight to go unnoticed. Brueski laments the ineffectiveness of the system in tracking Harmony, noting that despite some signs of abuse being reported, "the system kind of lost track of her." This failure is attributed to the challenges in tracking individuals who are trying to hide, especially in cases where accurate addresses are not available.

Further, Brueski and Dreeke discuss the broader implications of welcoming troubled children into one's home. Dreeke notes the immense challenges faced by foster parents, who not only deal with the children's trauma but also navigate a flawed system and potentially dangerous biological parents. He emphasizes the need for safety and support for these foster parents, stating, "if the system doesn’t allow those that are volunteering to save children to feel safe, the system’s not going to work."

The conversation also touches on the potential long-term consequences for children like Harmony, who, if they survive, face a life of continual abuse and trauma. Brueski reflects on this grim reality, pondering whether continued existence in such conditions is preferable to death.

In conclusion, Brueski finds a glimmer of hope in Harmony's tragic story, hoping that it brings attention to the systemic issues and helps prevent future tragedies. He states, "That’s the only justice that can be done here is that through her sacrifice, others might survive and live." This episode of "Hidden Killers" sheds light on the complex interplay of individual pathology and systemic failure, highlighting the urgent need for reform and empathy in dealing with society's most vulnerable.

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