Trial begins for man accused of killing daughter in New York

Opening arguments have been made in the New York trial of Luciano Frattolin, a man accused of murdering his nine-year-old daughter, Melina Frattolin, during a trip to New York in 2025. Frattolin faces charges of second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse.

Frattolin, who resides in Montreal and whose daughter lived with her mother there, has pleaded not guilty to both charges. He has been held without bail since his arrest in July 2025. New York State Police reported finding inconsistencies in Frattolin's account after he initially claimed his daughter had been abducted.

The body of young Melina was discovered in a wooded area near Ticonderoga, New York. The girl's mother is expected to be among the witnesses testifying during the trial.

The defense is asserting that authorities overlooked crucial evidence when they focused on Frattolin's account after he reported his daughter missing. The trial is expected to delve into the details of the investigation and the conflicting narratives presented by the prosecution and the defense.