TICONDEROGA, N.Y. — A 45-year-old Canadian man has been charged with the murder of his 9-year-old daughter, whose body was found over the weekend just days after he reported her missing while vacationing in the Adirondacks. Luciano Frattolin is in custody after authorities discovered the remains of Melina Galanis Frattolin in a wooded area near Lake George.
The case began to unfold on Saturday, when Frattolin called 911 from a rest area near Exit 22 on Interstate 87. He claimed that Melina had been abducted by two men in a white van. His report triggered an immediate Amber Alert, which described the girl as 5 feet tall, weighing around 100 pounds, with brown hair and eyes. She was reportedly last seen wearing a striped shirt and Adidas sneakers.
Authorities launched a large-scale search operation, mobilizing multiple agencies, including K-9 units and air support, to locate the young girl. However, as the investigation progressed, inconsistencies in Frattolin’s account began to surface, leading detectives to question the validity of his claims. Surveillance videos and other evidence failed to corroborate his story, prompting police to change their focus.
By Sunday afternoon, investigators located Melina’s body in a shallow, swampy pond along Route 74 in Ticonderoga, about 15 miles from where Frattolin reported her missing. She was declared dead at the scene. Frattolin was arrested early the next day and now faces charges of murder and concealment of a human corpse. He entered a plea of not guilty during his initial court appearance and is being held without bail.
During a press briefing, New York State Police Captain Robert McConnell indicated that Frattolin had “fabricated” the report of the abduction and is the primary suspect in his daughter’s death. He noted that investigators believe Melina was killed Saturday evening, shortly after speaking with her mother, who had been estranged from Frattolin since 2019. The call reportedly contained no warning signs.
Canadian authorities are collaborating with their U.S. counterparts as the investigation continues. Although the official cause of death is pending the results of an autopsy, law enforcement has emphasized that the incident remains isolated, and there is no ongoing public danger.
Captain McConnell described the case as “profoundly tragic and disturbing,” expressing condolences to Melina’s family and community. A subsequent press conference in Latham, New York, confirmed that Frattolin acted alone, with no other suspects being sought.
The shocking circumstances surrounding the case have raised numerous questions about the events leading up to Melina’s untimely death. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are committed to ensuring justice for the young girl and her grieving family.