LI Man Charged In Wife's Slaying 'A Tragic Case': Detective

MIDDLE ISLAND, NY — The husband of a mother of five whose lifeless body was found dumped in pine barrens on Long Island Thursday now faces a second-degree murder charge, in what Suffolk police investigators are calling a tragedy due to the five children left behind.

Homicide detectives arrested Marcello Molinari, 43, after police found Melissa Molinari in the 6,000-acre Rocky Point Barrens State Forest off Currans Road in Middle Island Thursday morning, police said. A K-9 unit found her body wrapped in plastic on a trail covered with leaves and branches, and an initial examination by the medical examiner's office shows there was evidence of "homicidal violence," including "multiple sharp force injuries," said Det. Lt. Kevin Beyrer, commanding officer of the homicide squad.

A prosecutor said Molinari was stabbed over 20 times, News 12 reported.

Blood was found in the basement of the couple's home after a search warrant was executed and Molinari ended up being placed under arrest Thursday night, Beyrer said, adding that he was later taken to a local hospital for a medical evaluation, but was "deemed fit for confinement."

Suffolk’s Child Protective Services were notified as four of the Molinari's children are under the age of 17, said police, adding that they, along with the family dog, were released to a family friend.

"This is a tragedy," Beyrer said. "It's just a terrible story."

Melissa Molinari was last seen at the couple’s home on Lolly Lane in Centereach on Nov. 21, and she was reported missing by a friend on Dec. 2, police said. A friend told police that they had not heard from Molinari since Nov. 17, according to police.

Beyrer said that prior to his arrest, Marcello Molinari told investigators that the couple was having marital issues recently over allegations of infidelity, and divorce and custody issues were discussed. Molinari claimed to investigators that his wife left the home on Nov. 22 after an argument and returned on the 23rd to get clothes and then left with an unknown man in an unknown vehicle, and then called him from an unknown number on Thanksgiving to tell him to fix dinner, Beyrer said.

He went on to say that Molinari had been cooperative and allowed them to examine his car, which was later indicated by a cadaver dog named K-9Willy in a blind search.

"I'd say he was cooperative as far as it benefits him," Beyrer added.

Molinari pleaded not guilty plea to a charge of second-degree murder at his arraignment Friday at First District Court in Central Islip. His attorney, Christopher Gioe of Hauppauge, described the prosecution's evidence against his client as circumstantial, News 12 reported.

"He's maintaining his innocence," he told the outlet. "The first time he heard about the charges was here at the courthouse. The first time he was given an attorney was here at the courthouse. He's informed me that he has asked for an attorney from the beginning of this investigation and he was denied the entire time.

In a previous interview over Facebook, a friend of Molinari described her as "a wonderful friend" who "truly cares."

"She brought me flowers one day just because I sent her a sad face — that’s who she is," she said. "She cries for her children. She’s a beautiful soul with a loving heart."

She went on to describe her as a diligent worker with great ethics.

Another person responding to an inquiry after Molinari's death was announced told Patch she had feeling something bad happened to her.

"If I would have seen this sooner, I would have told you my gut said her husband did something to her .." they wrote.

Molinari's case quickly gained attention last weekend after, Joseph Petito, the father of slain Long Islander Gabby Petito who set up a foundation to help the families of missing people, as well as organizations dedicated to finding the missing shared the missing flyer asking for help from the public.

The Gabby-Find the missing page, which is connected to The Gabby Petito Foundation, posted to Facebook on Friday: "We extend our condolences to her family and friends. May she rest in peace."

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.