[REVISION HISTORY]

Luciano Frattolin convicted of daughter's murder

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2026-08-11 04:52 UTC → 2026-08-11 07:22 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The criminal case against Luciano Frattolin, charged with second-degree murder and concealment of a corpse for the death of his nine-year-old daughter Melina, began in July 2026 in New York. Prosecutors have relied on phone-location data that placed Frattolin’s device near the marsh where Melina’s body was found for more than 50 minutes, and on inconsistencies in his 911 report claiming a white-van kidnapping. During the trial, the defense highlighted Frattolin’s prior brain injury and a delayed Amber Alert. On July 30, Frattolin appeared expressionless in court while video evidence of his kidnapping claims was shown. Forensic scientist Kimberly Stoddard testified on August 4 regarding blood stains found on Melina’s jacket and a “Closure/Confession” document recovered from Frattolin’s car. On August 6, prosecutors presented a digital timeline using phone records and GPS data to trace the movements of a rental car and a mobile device to the marsh in Ticonderoga where the body was discovered. Despite defense challenges regarding gaps in the location data, the judge allowed jurors to view the digital animation. On August 10, a New York jury convicted Frattolin of second-degree murder and concealing a human corpse. The verdict followed approximately three weeks of testimony. Prosecutors argued that Frattolin killed his daughter as an act of revenge against his ex-wife, Kali Galanis, and to avoid child support payments. During closing arguments, Essex County District Attorney Michael Langey stated, “Melina’s short life came to a violent end.” The 46-year-old Montreal businessman and founder of the organic coffee brand Gambella did not testify in his own defense. The jury deliberated for approximately one hour before reaching the verdict. Frattolin remains in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced on October ~~14.~~ 14, facing the possibility of life in prison.

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