Luciano Frattolin, the 46-year-old founder of the organic coffee brand Gambella, has been convicted of second-degree murder and concealment of a body in the death of his nine-year-old daughter, Melina. Prosecutors stated the murder was a calculated attempt to get revenge on his ex-wife and avoid child support payments.
Frattolin took Melina on a trip across the Northeastern United States in the summer of 2025, which prosecutors described as a ploy to kill her. Her remains were discovered on July 19, 2025, hidden under a log in a pond in Ticonderoga, New York.
During his closing statements, Essex County District Attorney described the scene, stating, "Melina's short life came to a violent end." Jurors deliberated for approximately one hour before reaching their verdict in the New Jersey courthouse.
Frattolin had initially claimed that Melina was abducted the night of her death. He contacted authorities around 9:30 p.m. on July 19, 2025, from Lake George, New York, alleging that Melina had been forced into a white van and that he had pursued it. This report initiated a large-scale search for the child.
Investigators noted inconsistencies in Frattolin's accounts. While he initially cooperated, his story changed as evidence emerged. Prosecutors presented data indicating that Frattolin's vehicle and cellphone, along with Melina's phone, placed him in the Ticonderoga area for nearly an hour, contradicting his claims of a brief drive to an alleged abduction site.
Evidence suggested Frattolin told investigators he had been unable to access his cellphone immediately after the abduction because it had fallen between car seats. However, prosecutors introduced texts showing he had texted Melina's mother, Kali Galanis, stating Melina would be home in 10 minutes.
Galanis had been tracking Melina's phone but lost contact after Frattolin and their daughter stopped at a McDonald's in Saratoga Springs earlier that evening. Surveillance footage from the restaurant reportedly showed Frattolin wearing different clothing than what he was seen in after reporting his daughter missing. His wet clothes and shoes were later found in a garbage bag off Interstate 87.
During interrogation, Frattolin admitted it "would've been easier" to murder Melina overseas, in places like Italy or Ethiopia, according to New York State Police investigator Daniel Mauro. Investigators also discovered notes within Frattolin's rental car. These notes discussed "ending the madness," a desire for a "Luciano Frattolin 2.0," and financial aspirations. One note read, "Don't let Melina suffer anymore."
Frattolin accused Galanis of abusing their daughter and attempting to frame him for the kidnapping. However, Galanis testified that Melina had expressed reluctance about a planned two-week trip to Ethiopia in January 2025, a trip Frattolin had initially proposed. Galanis ultimately denied permission for the overseas trip, after which Frattolin suggested a trip to New York, which she then permitted.
Frattolin faces a potential life sentence and is scheduled for sentencing on October 14.