The mother of 9-year-old Melina Frattolin recently gave testimony in Essex County Court, revealing her daughter’s reluctance to travel abroad with her father, Luciano Frattolin. Prosecutors allege that he killed Melina during a trip to New York.
Kali Galanis, Melina’s mother, told jurors her ex-partner wanted to bring Melina to Ethiopia in January 2025. However, the trip did not occur as Melina objected. “She didn’t want to go,” Galanis explained to the court. Her daughter’s objections made her increasingly uneasy about the trip.
Melina Frattolin, 9, whose mother testified that she objected to traveling overseas with her father months before prosecutors say she was killed during a trip to New York.
Galanis’ testimony highlighted family disagreements regarding Melina’s travel and her own concerns about Frattolin’s plans months prior to Melina’s death. After separating in 2019, Galanis was wary of their daughter traveling internationally with Frattolin. Her attorney had warned her about similar cases where children were taken overseas by an estranged parent and not returned.
Frattolin later proposed extending the Ethiopia trip, which led to further discussions between Galanis and Melina. Ultimately, these conversations convinced Galanis to cancel it. “I became uncomfortable,” she testified. “I was not okay with that anymore,” she shared, referencing the planned trip.
Instead of going overseas, Frattolin suggested a vacation through the northeastern United States. According to Galanis’ testimony, this new plan put her more at ease.
Authorities released an image of the vehicle driven by Frattolin and Melina before he falsely reported her kidnapping. Prosecutors allege that on the day Melina was supposed to return to Quebec, Frattolin falsely claimed two men in a white van abducted her. An Amber Alert was issued, but investigators found no evidence of an abduction. Melina’s body was discovered partially submerged near Eagle Lake in Ticonderoga.
Frattolin is facing trial for one count of second-degree murder and one count of concealing a human corpse. He has pleaded not guilty. The court also heard testimony from New York State Police investigator Daniel Mauro. Mauro recounted Frattolin’s comment during questioning, noting that Frattolin said “it would’ve been easier” to commit the alleged crime in Italy or Ethiopia.
The trial continues in Essex County Court.