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Dad Accused of Killing 9-Year-Old Daughter Left Behind Chilling Custody Notes, Prosecutors Say

Luciano Frattolin allegedly left behind handwritten notes outlining plans to regain custody of his 9-year-old daughter before she was found dead, according to evidence presented Thursday during his murder trial…

Andrew PowellJul 31, 20263 min read

Faith Murder Murder case New York U.S. News

Luciano Frattolin allegedly left behind handwritten notes outlining plans to regain custody of his 9-year-old daughter before she was found dead, according to evidence presented Thursday during his Murder trial.

Prosecutors told an Essex County courtroom that investigators discovered several documents inside the glove compartment of Frattolin's rental car after he reported his daughter, Melina Frattolin, missing on July 19, 2025, per The New York Post

Authorities later alleged the kidnapping report was fabricated and accused Frattolin of killing the child before leaving her body in a swamp in New York's Adirondack region.

Among the items introduced as evidence were handwritten notes labeled "Plan A" and "Plan B," a document described as a 10-year "father's report," and another titled "closure/confession."

Frattolin, 45, has pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from his daughter's death.

According to prosecutors, one draft document appeared to be written as a press release intended for Canadian media if Frattolin succeeded in obtaining custody of Melina.

The draft contained harsh criticism of his former wife, identified in court as Kali.

Another document appeared to contain statements directed at his ex-wife, though prosecutors did not indicate whether it reflected an actual conversation or was simply a written draft.

Investigators also found an assortment of personal belongings inside the Toyota Prius, including family photographs, baby pictures of Melina, a laptop, vehicle manuals and other documents stored in a shopping bag.

Defense attorneys challenged the introduction of the materials into evidence, prompting lengthy arguments before Judge Tatiana Cottinger.

After approximately 25 minutes of closed-door discussions, the judge overruled the objections and allowed the prosecution to present the evidence to jurors.

State Police Investigator Jacalyn Sommer testified about the search of the rental vehicle and walked jurors through photographs documenting the recovered items.

Sommer also testified that several clothing items collected during the investigation showed signs of what appeared to be seminal fluid, including clothing belonging to both Frattolin and Melina. She told the court that additional testing on Frattolin's clothing had not been completed.

The documents and physical evidence were collected while investigators searched the vehicle hours after Frattolin reported that his daughter had been abducted by men driving a white van near Interstate 87, a claim that prompted an Amber Alert before authorities determined the account was false.

The prosecution continues to present its case, with Frattolin scheduled to return to court Friday as the trial moves forward.

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