Melina Frattolin’s family members were in tears at a New York courthouse following the jury’s verdict finding her father guilty of drowning her and concealing her body in a marsh last summer. Luciano Frattolin, 46, was convicted of second-degree murder and concealing a human corpse in the death of his nine-year-old daughter, Melina. As the verdict was read, a group of family members clung to each other for support. Frattolin, flanked by his attorneys, maintained a neutral expression and shook his head slightly before being led away in handcuffs.
After the trial concluded, emotions ran high as family members embraced and wept in the courtroom. Essex County District Attorney Michael Langey expressed relief at the verdict, acknowledging the difficult year spent working on the case. Melina’s mother, Kali Galanis, did not attend the courtroom proceedings out of fear that Frattolin might testify. Langey described the heart-wrenching wait Galanis endured for her daughter to return home, only to receive the devastating news the next day of Melina’s tragic demise in a New York brook.
Melina’s body was discovered in a rural New York marsh last year, covered partially by a fallen tree with a large rock placed on her chest. The father and daughter were on the final leg of a weeklong trip when Frattolin reported Melina missing on July 19, 2025. The subsequent autopsy revealed that she had died from drowning due to asphyxia. Frattolin initially claimed his daughter had been abducted by two men in a white van, but investigators later arrested him for her murder.
Electronic evidence played a crucial role in the trial, including location data from Frattolin’s phone and car, as well as records of text messages and calls. This data, along with documents found in Frattolin’s car, helped establish intent, a key element in the jury’s conviction on both charges. Langey emphasized the significance of the electronic evidence in dismantling Frattolin’s fabricated alibi and proving his guilt.
Frattolin, who declined to testify in his defense, is set to be sentenced on October 14 and will remain in custody in Essex County. The defense, in their closing argument, highlighted alleged inconsistencies in Frattolin’s statements, attributing them to language barriers, stress, and exhaustion. They also raised concerns about the handling of evidence, pointing out that certain items were not subjected to thorough testing.
In conclusion, Langey remarked on the community’s response to Melina’s tragic death, noting the outpouring of support and solidarity. Despite Melina’s lack of direct ties to the county, residents rallied together, even dedicating a section of highway in her memory. Langey reiterated his commitment to seeking justice for the young victim, emphasizing that every child deserves to be protected, regardless of their background.
