Luciano Frattolin convicted of murdering 9-year-old daughter in New York
A New York jury has convicted Luciano Frattolin, a 46-year-old Montreal businessman and founder of the organic coffee brand Gambella, of second-degree murder and concealing a human corpse. The verdict follows a three-week trial regarding the July 2025 death of his nine-year-old daughter, Melina.
Prosecutors argued that Frattolin killed his daughter during a trip to the Northeastern United States as an act of revenge against his ex-wife, Kali Galanis, and to avoid child support payments. After the killing, Frattolin allegedly fabricated a kidnapping story involving a white van, which triggered an Amber Alert and a massive police search. However, investigators later discovered Melina’s body in a remote, swampy area near Ticonderoga, New York, partially hidden under a log and a rock.
Key evidence included GPS data, cellphone records, and surveillance footage that contradicted Frattolin’s claims. During closing arguments, Essex County District Attorney Michael Langey stated, “Melina’s short life came to a violent end.” The jury deliberated for approximately one hour before reaching a guilty verdict. Frattolin remains in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 14, facing the possibility of life in prison.
Entities
Essex County Court · Gambella · Kali Galanis · Luciano Frattolin · Melina Frattolin · Michael Langey · Ticonderoga
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Melina Frattolin's body was discovered near Ticonderoga, New York, the day after she was reported missing. edmonton.citynews.ca · www.castanet.net
- [DISPUTED] A New York jury found Luciano Frattolin guilty of second-degree murder. edmonton.citynews.ca · www.castanet.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] Frattolin initially claimed his daughter was kidnapped by two men in a white van. edmonton.citynews.ca · www.castanet.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] Luciano Frattolin was convicted of concealing his daughter's body. edmonton.citynews.ca · www.castanet.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] Frattolin reported his daughter missing on July 19, 2025. edmonton.citynews.ca · www.castanet.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] Frattolin is scheduled for sentencing on October 14. edmonton.citynews.ca · www.castanet.net