A tragic end to the case of a missing Centereach mother after a body was found Thursday in a secluded wooded area in Middle Island.
Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad detectives arrested Marcello Molinari after police found the body of his wife Melissa Molinari, who was last seen at their residence on Lolly Lane, on November 21. She wasn’t reported missing by her husband until December 2.
Melissa Molinari was found in the Rocky Point Barrens State Forest off Currans Road in Middle Island yesterday. Her body was transported to the Suffolk County Medical Examiner where an autopsy will be conducted.
Police blocked off the access to the area where the victim was located north of Middle Country Rd. adjacent to New York State DEC land mainly used for hunting and hiking.
Marcello Molinari, 43, was charged with Murder 2nd Degree. He will be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip later today.
Suffolk County Police Sixth Squad detectives were seeking the public’s help to locate the Centereach woman who was reported missing on December 2.
Melissa Molinari was last seen at her residence, located on Lolly Lane on November 21. She left her vehicle at home.
Police are expected to release more information Friday after arraignment as to how they came to know the whereabouts of the victim.
Media attention was intensified after friends reached out and the father of Gabby Petito tweeted information on the missing woman.
