Daughter’s Reluctance to Travel with Father Preceded Her Death, Court Hears
Months before 9-year-old Melina Frattolin was allegedly killed by her father during a trip, she expressed a strong reluctance to travel overseas with him, her mother testified Tuesday. Kali Galanis told jurors in Essex County Court that her former partner, Luciano Frattolin, had initially proposed taking their daughter to his native Ethiopia for a two-week visit in January 2025. However, the trip never materialized because Melina objected to the plan, Galanis stated.
“She didn’t want to go,” Galanis recounted from the witness stand. She also admitted that she herself grew increasingly uneasy about the proposed international travel for her daughter.
Family Disagreements Over Travel Plans
Galanis’ testimony provided the jury with insight into the family’s disputes regarding Melina’s travel arrangements and her mother’s escalating concerns about Frattolin’s intentions with their daughter in the months leading up to Melina’s death. Galanis explained that after she and Frattolin separated in 2019, she harbored reservations about allowing Melina to travel internationally with him. She recalled that her attorney had previously cautioned her about instances where divorced parents absconded with children to foreign countries, making their return difficult.
The situation became more complicated when Frattolin later suggested extending the proposed trip to Ethiopia. Galanis testified that conversations with Melina about the extended travel ultimately persuaded her to cancel the plan altogether. “I became uncomfortable,” Galanis stated. “I was not ok with that anymore,” she added, referring to the revised travel proposal.
As an alternative, Frattolin then suggested a vacation within the northeastern United States, according to Galanis’ testimony.
The Tragic Trip and Allegations
Authorities have stated that Frattolin and Melina did indeed travel, visiting locations in Connecticut and New York. The plan was for Melina to return to her home in Quebec on a specific date. Prosecutors allege that on the very day Melina was supposed to come home, Frattolin falsely reported to authorities that she had been abducted by two men in a white van. This report triggered an Amber Alert.
However, investigators later found no evidence to support the kidnapping claim, according to official statements. Tragically, Melina’s body was subsequently discovered partially submerged in shallow water near Eagle Lake in Ticonderoga.
Luciano Frattolin has entered a plea of not guilty to charges of second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse. His trial is currently underway in Essex County Court.
A Disturbing Remark in Questioning
Earlier in the trial, on Monday, New York State Police investigator Daniel Mauro testified about a comment Frattolin allegedly made during police questioning. Mauro stated that Frattolin remarked that “it would’ve been easier” to kill his daughter in a foreign country, specifically mentioning places like Italy or Ethiopia.
Investigator Mauro testified that this comment surfaced after investigators inquired whether Frattolin had any motive to harm his daughter. The trial proceedings are set to continue in Essex County Court.
