Kali Galanis, the mother of 9-year-old Melina Frattolin, testified in Essex County Court that her daughter expressed reluctance to travel overseas with her father, Luciano Frattolin, months before he allegedly killed her during a summer trip. Galanis stated that Frattolin planned to take Melina to Ethiopia for two weeks in January 2025, but the trip was canceled after Melina objected. Galanis expressed growing concerns about the trip and noted that her attorney had warned her about potential issues with estranged parents taking children overseas. Frattolin later suggested a vacation in the northeastern United States instead. Prosecutors allege that on the day Melina was supposed to return to Quebec, Frattolin falsely reported her abduction, which led to an Amber Alert. Investigators later found Melina's body in shallow water near Eagle Lake in Ticonderoga. Frattolin has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse. The trial is ongoing.
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Mother Testifies About Daughter's Reluctance to Travel with Father Before Alleged Murder
In court, Kali Galanis testified that her daughter Melina Frattolin did not want to travel with her father, Luciano Frattolin, to Ethiopia, leading to the trip's cancellation. Prosecutors allege Frattolin killed Melina during a trip, falsely reporting her abduction on the day she was supposed to return home. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
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Murdered 9-year-old begged not to go on trip with dad months before he allegedly killed her, mom testifies
Mother Testifies About Daughter's Reluctance to Travel with Father Before Alleged Murder