The mother of 9-year-old Melina Frattolin testified in Essex County Court, revealing her daughter’s reluctance to accompany her father on an overseas trip. Prosecutors allege that Luciano Frattolin, Melina’s father, killed her during a summer trip to New York.
Kali Galanis provided her testimony, stating that her ex-partner, Luciano Frattolin, wanted to take Melina to Ethiopia in January 2025. However, the trip did not occur because Melina objected to it.
“She didn’t want to go,” Galanis testified, expressing her unease about the trip.
The testimony highlighted the family’s disagreements over travel plans and Galanis’ increasing concerns months before Melina’s death. Galanis mentioned concerns about Melina traveling internationally with Frattolin after their separation in 2019. Her attorney had warned her about cases where children were taken overseas and not returned by estranged parents.
Galanis shared that Frattolin suggested extending the Ethiopia trip, leading her to cancel it after discussions with Melina.
Luciano Frattolin is currently on trial, charged with second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse regarding Melina’s death. He pleaded not guilty to these charges.
“I became uncomfortable,” Galanis testified about the trip. “I was not ok with that anymore,” she added.
Frattolin instead proposed a vacation through the northeastern United States. Galanis shared that Frattolin and Melina traveled through Connecticut and New York before Melina was set to return to Quebec.
On the day Melina was to return home, Frattolin falsely reported her abduction, leading to an Amber Alert. Authorities later determined there was no evidence supporting the kidnapping claim. Melina’s body was discovered partially submerged near Eagle Lake in Ticonderoga.
The trial heard from New York State Police investigator Daniel Mauro, who testified that Frattolin remarked it “would’ve been easier” to harm his daughter overseas, naming Italy or Ethiopia as potential locations.
The trial continues in Essex County Court.