Missing Long Island mother found dead after husband allegedly learns about affair

CENTEREACH, N.Y. (TCD) -- A 43-year-old man was arrested after his missing wife’s body was found in the woods in Long Island.

According to WPIX-TV, Melissa Molinari’s remains were located in Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest on Thursday. Her husband, Marcello Molinari, was taken into custody and charged with second-degree murder.

Melissa was reported missing Dec. 2 to the Suffolk County Police Department. According to the department’s news release, the 38-year-old was last seen Nov. 21 at her home in Lolly Lane. She reportedly left her car at the residence.

WPIX reports Melissa’s body was transported to the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.

According to the Sachem, New York, Patch.com page, Melissa and Marcello had four children together. She also reportedly had another child from a previous relationship.

NBC New York reports one of Melissa’s friends reported her missing, not Marcello. According to NBC New York, prosecutors said in court Friday that Marcello reportedly learned during a trip to Disneyland that Melissa was allegedly having an affair. The couple reportedly planned on getting a divorce and came back from their trip Nov. 5.

Marcello reportedly told police he and his wife got into a fight and she left the house. Investigators, however, reportedly found blood in the home’s basement and GPS tracking allegedly places Marcello at Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest in the early hours of Nov. 23, NBC New York reports.

Melissa reportedly suffered about 20 stab wounds on her back and chest. Her body was reportedly found shrouded in towels and blankets.

WABC-TV reports at one point, Marcello allegedly searched on his phone for places without extradition agreements.

Joseph Petito, whose daughter Gabby Petito went missing and was found dead in Wyoming, took to social media to help spread the word about Melissa’s disappearance.

According to Suffolk County court records, Marcello was arraigned Friday. He is reportedly being held without bail.

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