Elizabethtown, New York — The murder trial of Luciano Frattolin, a Montreal-based coffee company founder, began this week in Essex County Court on charges that he drowned his 9-year-old daughter and concealed her body.

Frattolin, 46, faces second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse in the death of Melina Galanis Frattolin. He has pleaded not guilty. Opening statements started Thursday after jury selection concluded. The judge has banned cameras and phones from the courtroom.

Melina’s body was found on July 20, 2025, in a shallow pond in Ticonderoga, New York, about 30 miles from Lake George, where Frattolin had reported her abducted the previous evening. An autopsy determined the cause of death was asphyxia due to drowning and ruled it a homicide.

Frattolin, founder of the Montreal-based Gambella Coffee company, was vacationing with his daughter when he called 911 claiming she had been kidnapped. Authorities later determined the abduction report was false. He was arrested shortly after the body was discovered.

Prosecutors are expected to present evidence regarding the circumstances of the death and Frattolin’s actions afterward. The defense has indicated it will challenge aspects of the case, including memory-related issues. The trial continues in Essex County.

Sources:

• Associated Press, CBC News