Father Charged with Murder After 9-Year-Old Melina Frattolin Found in NY Pond

Tragedy struck in Ticonderoga, New York, after 9-year-old Melina Frattolin was found dead in a shallow pond on July 20, 2025—just one day after being reported missing. Her father, 45-year-old Luciano Frattolin of Montreal, has been charged with second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse.

Luciano initially told police Melina vanished while he stepped into the woods near Lake George. His story shifted, later claiming two men abducted her in a white van, prompting an AMBER Alert. But inconsistencies raised suspicions early on.

Melina’s body was discovered under a log during a search involving K9 units and aviation support. A preliminary autopsy revealed she died from asphyxia due to drowning, and her death was ruled a homicide.

Surveillance footage captured Melina and Luciano dining in Saratoga Springs the evening before her disappearance. Later, she phoned her mother, saying they were returning to Canada. She seemed calm and unharmed during the call, making her death even more devastating.

The trip to the U.S. had begun July 11 as part of a summer vacation. Melina was supposed to return to her mother’s custody on July 20. Her parents had reportedly been estranged since 2019.

Investigators now believe Luciano killed Melina sometime between that call and his 911 report. No evidence supports his abduction claims.

The public reacted with heartbreak and outrage, flooding social media with condolences and calls for justice. “Please stop killing these beautiful children,” one user wrote.

Luciano, founder of Gambella Coffee, was known for praising Melina as his inspiration. With no criminal history, the motive remains unclear.

He remains in custody pending a felony hearing. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information to come forward.