A tragic discovery in Ticonderoga, New York, has left a community in mourning after 9-year-old Melina Frattolin of Montreal was found deceased in a pond on July 20, 2025, just one day after being reported missing. Her father, 45-year-old Luciano Frattolin, has been arrested and is now facing serious charges, including second-degree murder and concealment of a human body.
According to authorities, Luciano initially told police that Melina had gone missing while he stepped into the woods near Lake George. He later changed his account, claiming that she had been taken by two unidentified individuals, prompting an AMBER Alert. However, investigators noted inconsistencies in his statements early on, which led to further scrutiny.
Melina’s body was found during an extensive search that included K9 units and aerial support. A preliminary examination confirmed her death was a result of drowning, and the case is being treated as a homicide.
Surveillance footage showed Melina and her father having dinner in Saratoga Springs the night before she was reported missing. Melina had also spoken to her mother on the phone that evening, saying she was on her way back to Canada. She sounded calm and appeared safe during the call, making the news of her passing even more heartbreaking.
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