Dad who murdered frightened daughter, 9, during custody vacation is sentenced to 25 years to life in prison
Luciano Frattolin has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for murdering his nine-year-old daughter, Melina, during a trip to New York in July 2025. Prosecutors said he killed her to retaliate against her mother and avoid child support, while the judge said his actions had left the community asking why.
After reporting Melina missing, Frattolin claimed masked men had abducted her in a white van; investigators later found her body in a swamp in Ticonderoga. Medical examiners said she had drowned, and phone data placed Frattolin near the site despite his denial. Convicted of second-degree murder in August, he offered no apology at sentencing and may face deportation if paroled after serving his sentence.
- Frattolin received 25 years to life for murdering his daughter.
- He falsely claimed she had been abducted by masked men.
- Prosecutors cited revenge and child support as motives.
New here? Start with this
Custody arrangements set out when a child spends time with each parent, and a parent may have to pay child support to help cover the child’s costs. Disagreements over these arrangements and payments are usually handled through family courts.
Luciano Frattolin is Melina’s father, and her mother was involved in custody and support arrangements. The case concerns a trip the father took with his nine-year-old daughter from Canada to New York, where she was found dead in 2025; the investigation examined his account of what happened and evidence including phone data.
The case involved criminal proceedings in New York, where a jury convicted Frattolin of second-degree murder. It also raised questions about how authorities investigate a child’s death and how a conviction can affect a person’s future, including possible deportation.