Jurors in the trial of Luciano Frattolin were shown new evidence revealing the remote Adirondack location where the body of his 9-year-old daughter, Melina Frattolin, was discovered in July 2025.

According to prosecutors, Frattolin, 45, allegedly carried Melina’s body deep into a wooded area near Paragon Brook in Ticonderoga, New York, where investigators say it was concealed beneath a fallen tree and covered with mud and a large rock.

PH๏τos and video presented in court showed the rugged terrain, dense vegetation, and narrow trail leading to the secluded location. Prosecutors allege Frattolin spent several minutes making his way through thick underbrush before reaching the site.

Investigators testified that the large rock used to cover the body was a heavy piece of feldspar, a common mineral found throughout the Adirondack Mountains. After recovery efforts, the rock remained near the scene as evidence.

Authorities said Frattolin initially reported that Melina had been abducted from a highway rest stop, but investigators quickly began questioning that account after reviewing license plate reader data and other evidence.

Less than 12 hours after the child was reported missing, members of the New York State Police, New York Forest Rangers, and local law enforcement searched the Eagle Lake area before locating Melina’s body on the afternoon of July 20, 2025.

Court testimony revealed that location data extracted from Frattolin’s rented white Toyota Prius placed the vehicle near the Short Swing Trailhead on Route 74 roughly an hour before he called 911 to report the alleged abduction. Prosecutors say the trail leads directly toward the remote area where Melina was later found.

Prosecutors are continuing to build a timeline of Melina’s final hours and have told jurors they are still working to determine what led to the child’s death.

Last week, Melina’s mother, Kali Galanis, testified that her daughter called to say Luciano was running late bringing her home to Montreal on the evening of July 19, 2025.

According to testimony, Frattolin later texted Galanis, saying they would arrive around 9:15 p.m. However, license plate reader records showed his vehicle traveling southbound on Interstate 87 shortly afterward.

Investigators also testified that they later recovered a garbage bag alongside the interstate containing muddy clothing, sneakers, and used wipes that they believe may be connected to the investigation.

Frattolin has pleaded not guilty, and the trial continues as prosecutors present additional forensic evidence and witness testimony.

Source: New York Post