US3 min(s) read
Published 13:07 07 Aug 2026 GMT
A Canadian father accused of murdering his nine-year-old daughter during a holiday trip allegedly left behind a series of disturbing handwritten notes that prosecutors say reveal his thoughts and intentions before her death.
Luciano Frattolin, 45, is on trial over the death of his daughter Melina, whose body was discovered hidden beneath a log in a marshy area near Eagle Lake in Ticonderoga, New York.
.png_hXQhTL?tr=cr-0.0.1944.1290,f-webp,q-70,w-1024)
Prosecutors allege Frattolin attempted to cover up the killing by staging a fake kidnapping after initially telling police that his daughter had disappeared while the pair were traveling back to Canada after visiting a friend in New York City.
He later claimed Melina had been taken by two men driving a white van, prompting an Amber Alert and a large-scale search operation. However, investigators found no evidence to support the alleged abduction, and Melina’s body was eventually found submerged in shallow water.
During the trial, prosecutors revealed that investigators allegedly discovered six handwritten notes inside the rental Toyota Prius Frattolin was driving during the trip.
The notes, written in red ink, allegedly contained a mixture of personal ambitions and troubling statements. One reportedly said: “Chase your dream of becoming the richest man in the world.”
Another appeared to focus on financial matters, stating: “Pay all debts to Scotia Bank.”
However, prosecutors highlighted other messages they say were far more alarming, including the line: “End madness either way but tomorrow/Saturday,” and another which allegedly read: “Don’t let Melina suffer anymore.”
Other notes reportedly referenced Melina’s mother, Kali Galanis, including one that allegedly stated: “Let God handle Kali, not you or anybody else,” while another said: “I outsmarted her for the first time.”
The court also heard claims that Frattolin had multiple condoms stored inside bags in the vehicle.
New York State Police investigator Jacalyn Sommer told jurors that forensic testing found two pairs of Melina’s underwear contained traces consistent with “seminal fluid.” Prosecutors also alleged that a shirt and shorts belonging to Frattolin showed evidence of the same fluid.
Earlier in the trial, prosecutors presented cellphone data that they claim placed Frattolin and Melina in the area where her body was later discovered.
Frattolin has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges, with his defense team arguing that the prosecution’s case relies on circumstantial evidence.
Melina’s mother, Kali Galanis, previously gave an emotional statement in court, saying her daughter had expressed that she did not want to travel overseas.
Galanis had reportedly become concerned about Frattolin taking their daughter abroad after being warned by her lawyer that he might refuse to return from his native Ethiopia.
During testimony, forensic pathologist Dr Michael Sikirica told jurors that Melina died by drowning, with mud and plant material discovered in her lungs. Her body was found concealed beneath a fallen tree, with a stone placed on top of her.
