A New York courtroom watched hours of police interrogation footage this week as Luciano Frattolin, the father accused of murdering his 9-year-old daughter, continued insisting she had been kidnapped despite investigators confronting him with evidence that her body had already been found.

Frattolin, 45, appeared emotionless throughout Wednesday’s proceedings in Essex County, where he is standing trial in connection with the July 19, 2025, death of his daughter, Melina Frattolin.

Interrogation Footage Played for Jury

Jurors were shown recorded interviews conducted by New York State Police investigators shortly after Melina’s body was discovered near Paragon Brook, approximately eight miles from Interstate 87 in Ticonderoga.

During the interviews, investigators repeatedly urged Frattolin to tell the truth about what had happened.

Despite being informed that his daughter had already been located and even being shown photographs of her body, prosecutors said Frattolin continued repeating his claim that she had been abducted.

Throughout the recordings, he maintained that he and Melina had returned together to their vehicle after visiting a nearby area.

Investigators Challenge His Account

According to the video shown in court, Frattolin told investigators that he and his daughter had stopped near a large lake because she wanted to go swimming.

He claimed they ultimately did not enter the water because the shoreline was lined with homes.

Investigators disputed that account.

One investigator told Frattolin there were no houses in the area where Melina’s body had been found and pointed out that details in his story continued to change during questioning.

Police also noted that the nearby Paradox Lake, the location closest to where cellphone data placed Frattolin, cannot be seen from Interstate 87, contradicting his explanation that they had spotted the lake while driving.

Cellphone Data Led Authorities to the Scene

According to prosecutors, investigators located Melina’s body using cellphone location data connected to Frattolin’s phone, which also reportedly contained a trackable Apple AirTag.

Authorities said the child was found covered in mud beneath a tree roughly ten minutes down a hiking trail in the Adirondack wilderness.

Investigators confronted Frattolin with photographs taken at the scene during the interview, but prosecutors said he continued denying responsibility and maintained his kidnapping account.

Inconsistencies in Statements

Court testimony also highlighted several inconsistencies in Frattolin’s statements.

Initially, he reportedly told investigators that he had not changed his clothes on the day his daughter disappeared.

He later revised that statement, saying he had changed only his shirt.

According to prosecutors, his explanation changed again after investigators informed him that surveillance footage had captured him outside a McDonald’s earlier that day wearing an entirely different outfit while accompanied by Melina.

The prosecution argues these changing accounts undermine the credibility of Frattolin’s version of events.

Trial Continues

Frattolin has been charged in connection with the death of his daughter and is currently on trial in Essex County.

Prosecutors contend that the physical evidence, cellphone data, surveillance footage, and recorded police interviews contradict his repeated claims that Melina had been kidnapped.

The defense is expected to continue presenting its case as the trial moves forward.

Disclaimer: Luciano Frattolin has been charged with murder but has not been convicted. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.