Father on Trial for Drowning Daughter | Canada News

A father accused of drowning his own nine-year-old daughter to cover up his financial troubles is now on trial — but the story behind the crime is far more twisted than it seems. Luciano Frattolin, a Montreal coffee shop owner with Ethiopian and Italian roots, initially claimed Melina was kidnapped by men in a white van, triggering an Amber Alert. But investigators uncovered a chilling truth: no van, no kidnappers — just Melina’s body found in a shallow pond near Ticonderoga, New York. The medical examiner confirmed homicide by drowning. Now, Frattolin, deemed a flight risk, faces trial as the defense fights to suppress key evidence — including his statements to police and cellphone data — while prosecutors push forward with a case that’s already sparked national outrage. The trial is just beginning, and the courtroom is bracing for a story that will shake the conscience of the nation. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/84e9bdaff8b4a80a