The Montreal man convicted of killing his nine-year-old daughter, Melina Frattolin, whose body was found near Ticonderoga last July was sentenced yestrerday in Essex County Court.
Luciano Frattolin, who was found guilty in August of second-degree murder and concealment of a corpse, was sentenced by Judge Tatiana Coffinger to 25 years to life for the murder charge and one to three years for concealing his daughter’s body. The sentences will run consecutively.
Essex County District Attorney Michael Langey called the murder senseless and selfish, telling the court that Frattolin would forever be known to the world as a child murderer, and that he should never be out in the world again. As Langey made the statement, Frattolin could be seen shaking his head from side to side. Langey asked for the maximum sentence on both charges and requested for them to run consecutively.
Frattolin’s defense attorney, Brian Pilatzke, maintained his client’s innocence and asked the judge to impose the minimum sentence. Pilatzke also argued against consecutive sentences, stating that the prosecution had not established the murder and concealment of Melina’s body as two separate acts.
Judge Coffinger denied the defense’s previously filed motion to set aside the guilty verdict, stating that the issues raised were better suited for an appellate court to hear. Before handing down the sentence, Coffinger addressed Frattolin directly, stating that she hoped at some point in his life he would realize what he had done and how he let down his daughter.
She also stated:“The greatest accomplishment of your life could have been to be a great father. That is not what you’re going to be remembered for.”
Frattolin appeared noticeably thinner than he did during his trial just a few months ago. His once neatly trimmed and styled hair had grown longer, and his suit appeared wrinkled and disheveled. When given the opportunity to address the court, Frattolin declined to make a statement.
Melina’s family submitted written victim impact statements to the court but requested that they not be made public. After the sentencing, Langey read a separate statement from Melina’s family outside of the courthouse. The family expressed relief that the sentencing was over and that they continue to suffer from Melina’s death. They also thanked everyone involved in the case for helping to bring a measure of justice to the family.
The judge issued a 25-year order of protection in favor of Melina’s mother and imposed a $5000 fine along with mandatory court fees, which can be collected from funds in Frattolin’s prison account.
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