Father charged with murder in daughter's death after false kidnapping claim
- Luciano Frattolin reported his daughter Melina missing, claiming she was kidnapped, triggering an AMBER Alert.
- Melina was found deceased the next day in a pond, and authorities discovered discrepancies in her father's account.
- Frattolin has been charged with second-degree murder, raising concerns about his initial report and the circumstances of Melina's death.
In the United States, specifically New York, a disturbing case unfolded involving 45-year-old Canadian Luciano Frattolin and his daughter, nine-year-old Melina Frattolin. On Saturday evening, July 19, 2025, Frattolin called the New York State Police around 10 p.m. to report that his daughter had been kidnapped from a parking lot near Lake George while they were vacationing. This report triggered an AMBER Alert, leading to a comprehensive search involving multiple law enforcement agencies. Authorities mobilized K-9 units and aviation resources while hundreds of officers searched for Melina. However, the following day, police discovered Melina's body in a shallow pond in Ticonderoga, approximately 15 miles from the reported location of her disappearance. Early investigations revealed inconsistencies in Frattolin's account of events, prompting police to suspect foul play. Surveillance footage showed the pair earlier in Saratoga Springs, and Melina had spoken with her mother shortly before Frattolin made the 911 call. That call was made after the time frame in which police believe she was murdered by her father. Following the discovery of Melina's body, Frattolin was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse. Police emphasized that he had no previous criminal history and no history of domestic violence. The fact that he had fabricated the story of kidnapping raised serious concerns. Reports indicated that Frattolin had been estranged from Melina's mother since 2019, and Melina lived full-time with her mother in Canada. They had crossed the border for a vacation that was intended to end with their return to Montreal on July 20. The tragic death of Melina Frattolin has drawn significant media attention and public outrage. New York Governor Kathy Hochul expressed condolences and reassured the public that law enforcement was committed to holding accountable those responsible for Melina’s death. As the investigation continues, the circumstances surrounding her death, including the motive, remain unclear, pending the results of an autopsy.