Luciano Fratlin, the father accused of murdering his 9-year-old daughter Melina during a vacation in New York, had a complicated relationship with the notion of being tied down, according to a former friend. Fratlin, 45, spent much of his life in Ethiopia, where he was involved in mining and hotel construction projects.
His friend recalled, “He loved his daughter, but the idea of being bound was not something he embraced.” Fratlin was arrested last week following the tragic death of Melina.
Melina lived with her mother in Canada, and it appears Fratlin and his ex-partner separated amid disputes over financial matters. An insider noted that while Fratlin was said to reside in Canada, his real connection there was limited to his daughter and her mother.
According to his friend, Fratlin made it a point to visit Melina at least once a year. This demonstrates a sort of affection he had for her, or so it seems.
Described as a prominent businessman, Fratlin was born to an Ethiopian mother and an Italian father. Reports indicate he established an iron ore mine in 2019, securing a substantial contract with a Chinese company. However, that same year brought misfortune when he suffered a serious eye injury from an assault, as recounted by another friend.
During his recovery, Melina’s mother reportedly stayed with him in Ethiopia, which is believed to have contributed to their separation.
Fratlin later hinted that this “unfortunate event” in 2019 had a profound effect on his well-being, emphasizing a lengthy and challenging recovery process.
Friends mentioned he was financially well-off, which allowed him to leave Ethiopia multiple times and often travel to Italy when things got difficult for him there. “He had a lot of bills, so when things heated up, he would take off and come back when the situation calmed,” a friend elaborated.
Updates from the Case of Melina Fratlin
Maintaining an extravagant lifestyle, Fratlin was described as “very image-conscious,” often sporting pricey clothing and accessories. His previous friend noted he was among the first individuals to introduce Porsche vehicles in Ethiopia and owned luxury cars, which placed him in a wealthy category within the country.
Fratlin shared videos on social media displaying his luxury car skills, showcasing drives on rough roads in his home country.
As of Monday, Fratlin has pleaded not guilty to the murder charges in a New York court. A follow-up court date is set for Friday.
