Police: Body of missing Centereach mother found; husband arrested

Prosecutors say the couple had recently separated after Marcello Molinari found out that his wife was having an affair.

News 12 Staff

Dec 10, 2021, 10:19 AM

Updated 1,092 days ago

Share:

Police has arrested the husband of a missing Centereach woman after her body was found in the woods in Middle Island.
Melissa Molinari was last seen on Nov. 21 at her home on Lolly Lane. The 38-year-old mother of four was not reported missing until last Thursday, Dec. 2.
Police tell News 12 Long Island they found her body Thursday in the Rocky Point Barrens State Forest off Currans Road in Middle Island.
Prosecutors say she had been stabbed around 20 times and her body was in a garbage bag.
They are calling the case a "cold, well-thought out planned murder that left four kids without a mother this holiday season."
Molinari's husband, 43-year-old Marcello Molinari, is now under arrest and charged with second-degree murder.
Prosecutors say the couple had recently separated after Marcello Molinari found out that his wife was having an affair.
They say evidence found on Marcello Molinari's cellphone included a shopping list of duct tape and garbage bags, a list of non-extradition states and countries and GPS coordinates to where Melissa Molinari's body was found.
Cadaver dogs picked up the scent of Melissa Molinari's blood in her minivan and the basement of the couple's home, according to prosecutors.
"Right now we're working under the theory the house is the crime scene, the car was used to transport her and she was placed in the pine barrens," says Det. Lt. Kevin Beyrer.
Marcello Molinari's defense attorney says it was circumstantial evidence.
"The first time he heard about the charges was here at the courthouse," says Christopher Gioe. "The first time he was given an attorney was here at the courthouse. He's informed me that he asked for an attorney at the beginning of this investigation, and he was denied the entire time."
Marcello Molinari is being held without bail. His next court appearance is Wednesday.