Father convicted in Montreal girl’s murder wanted to testify away from jury

Luciano Frattolin, accused of murdering his nine-year-old daughter Melina, had the opportunity to testify in his defence but chose not to. On the last day of the trial, after the jury had left the courtroom, Frattolin expressed his desire to testify. However, he later stated that he had been advised not to. Prosecutors presented over 20 witnesses during the trial, which lasted nearly three weeks.

Evidence from Frattolin's phone and car, as well as the location data, played a crucial role in the prosecution's case. The judge considered two motions to dismiss the case, but both were denied. The jury took about an hour to reach the verdict, convicting Frattolin of second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse. The autopsy revealed that Melina had died from asphyxia due to drowning.