Dad’s Travel Plans Turned Deadly | Wilmington News

Wilmington News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 29, 2026 · 1m

A chilling courtroom drama unfolds in Essex County as a father faces murder charges after his 9-year-old daughter, Melina, was found dead in shallow water — allegedly after he claimed she was kidnapped. Months before, he’d wanted to take her to Ethiopia, but she refused; instead, they took a U.S. road trip. When she vanished on her return day, an Amber Alert was issued — but no kidnappers were found. Investigators uncovered a disturbing remark from the father: “It would have been easier to kill her overseas.” He’s pleaded not guilty to murder and hiding a body — and the trial is only just…