Overview
- An Essex County jury found Frattolin guilty on Aug. 10 of second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse for the July 2025 drowning of his daughter in an Adirondack marsh.
- Medical testimony and the autopsy concluded Melina died by asphyxia from drowning and that her body was partially submerged and pinned by a rock in shallow swamp water.
- Prosecutors used car and cellphone location data obtained with FBI and Interpol help, dive and scene video, and clothing stained with swamp mud to place Frattolin at the site for about an hour.
- Investigators also introduced multiple handwritten notes found in his rental car and Montreal apartment that referenced taking Melina 'to end,' which prosecutors presented as evidence of intent.
- Frattolin did not testify after discussing the decision with the judge and his lawyers, he faces up to 26 1/3 years to life at sentencing on Oct. 14, 2026, and would likely be deported if ever released.