ELIZABETHTOWN, N.Y. — Luciano Frattolin, 45, appeared impassive during his trial Wednesday as prosecutors played video footage of his police interviews following the death of his 9-year-old daughter, Melina Frattolin. The Essex County case centers on the girl’s murder on July 19, 2025.

In the recordings presented to the court, Frattolin repeatedly maintains that Melina was abducted, despite investigators pressing him for details and confronting him with graphic evidence. Police showed Frattolin photos of his daughter’s body, which was found covered in mud near Paragon Brook, approximately eight miles from Interstate 87 in Ticonderoga.

During the July 20, 2025, interviews, Frattolin told State Police investigator Ashlee Marks that he and Melina had returned to their car, despite being informed that her body had already been discovered several hours earlier. The location of the body was about 10 minutes into a hiking trail within the Adirondack wilderness.

Authorities were able to locate Melina with the assistance of data retrieved from Frattolin’s cellphone, which also contained a trackable Apple AirTag. The prosecution has suggested that the digital evidence played a key role in identifying the crime scene and timing of events.

Frattolin has not publicly acknowledged responsibility for Melina’s death, maintaining his narrative of an abduction throughout the investigation. The trial is ongoing and expected to continue Thursday.