Luciano Frattolin, a 46-year-old Montreal man, was found guilty on Monday, Aug. 10, 2025, of second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse in the death of his 9-year-old daughter, Melina Frattolin, following a trial in Essex County Court in Elizabethtown, New York, according to court records and statements from District Attorney Michael Langey.
Trial Verdict and Juror Deliberations in Essex County
The jury returned the guilty verdict after deliberating for a little over an hour following closing arguments on Monday morning, Aug. 10, 2025. According to District Attorney Michael Langey, it was the quickest verdict he had ever seen during his career. Frattolin displayed no reaction when the jury read the verdict on both the second-degree murder and human corpse concealment charges.
Before the jury began its work, Judge Tatiana Coffinger denied a defense motion from attorney Brian Pilatzke to dismiss the case entirely. Pilatzke argued that the prosecution failed to prove every element of the crime across both counts. Judge Coffinger ruled that the issues of fact belonged to the jury to decide after three weeks of testimony and evidence.
Prosecution Evidence and the Defense Abduction Claim
During the trial, the prosecution presented digital tracking and autopsy findings to establish how Melina Frattolin died. According to District Attorney Michael Langey, an autopsy determined the 9-year-old’s cause of death was drowning, with debris and dirt found in her lungs. Langey stated that GPS data pulled from Frattolin’s car and cell phone showed he had spent nearly an hour parked near a trailhead north toward Schroon Lake between 8 p.m. and 8:55 p.m. on July 19, 2025.
Defense attorney Brian Pilatzke argued during closing statements that police failed to adequately investigate two men in a white van whom Frattolin claimed had abducted Melina from a parking area near Lake George. Pilatzke noted that Frattolin cooperated fully by letting officers search his vehicle and phone. However, Langey countered that investigators did pursue white van reports with multiple traffic stops, but grew suspicious when Frattolin’s account shifted and he failed to definitively identify the abduction site during a three-hour police ride-along.
Did You Know? Following the discovery of Melina Frattolin’s body in Ticonderoga, New York, on July 20, 2025, hundreds of local residents who had never met her organized a community vigil, and a remembrance sign reading “Friends of Melina Frattolin” was subsequently placed along State Route 74.
Sentencing Details and Expected Appeal
Frattolin faces a minimum sentence of 15 years to life in prison and a maximum of 25 years to life, with an additional year possible for the concealment conviction, according to trial documents. Judge Tatiana Coffinger scheduled the formal sentencing for Wednesday, Oct. 14, in Elizabethtown, New York, while Frattolin remains remanded to the Essex County Jail.
District Attorney Michael Langey stated that he expects the defense to appeal the guilty verdict. Meanwhile, Melina’s mother, Kali Galanas, who did not attend the trial’s final day to avoid listening to potential testimony from Frattolin, has been updated on the outcome and retains the right to speak at the upcoming October sentencing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the trial take place and what were the exact charges?
Luciano Frattolin stood trial in New York State beginning on July 23, 2025, facing charges of second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse.
Where was Melina Frattolin found?
Melina Frattolin was found dead on July 20, 2025, in a shallow body of water off a highway in the town of Ticonderoga, New York.
Did the defendant testify in his own defense?
No. After taking the weekend to decide, Frattolin did not testify, telling the court he wanted to but was advised against it due to a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
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