A father accused of killing his 9-year-old daughter while vacationing in upstate New York allegedly concealed her body under a fallen tree and a rock in a shallow pond, according to newly unsealed court documents.
Luciano Frattolin, an Ethiopian-born entrepreneur from Montreal, appeared in court in Essex County dressed in a gray suit and light blue shirt. He faces charges of second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse following the death of his daughter, Melina Frattolin, whose body was discovered near Ticonderoga on July 20.
According to the indictment, Frattolin hid the girl’s body “in a wooded area in water, near a fallen tree with a rock on top of the corpse.”
During his arraignment, Frattolin, handcuffed and shackled, remained calm and responded to questions with short answers. He pleaded not guilty to the charges, reaffirming an earlier plea. His request for bail was denied by Judge Tatiana Coffinger, who cited concerns over his multiple citizenships — Ethiopia, Italy — and strong ties to Canada.
“No amount of money would ensure he’d return,” argued Acting Essex County District Attorney Michael Langey. Frattolin’s public defender, Emily Evatt, noted he had no criminal record and was prepared to stay in New York City with a friend. However, the judge said the severity of the charges and lack of local ties made his release too risky.
Melina’s body was discovered a day after Frattolin allegedly drowned her and filed a false kidnapping report. The two had been vacationing in the area when he initially claimed she had gone missing.
Preliminary hearings are scheduled for November 12, with a possible trial date set for January 5, 2026.
