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Update: Father Charged in Death of Canadian Girl in Ticonderoga
More details are being released today regarding the tragic death of nine-year-old Melina Frattolin, whose body was found in Ticonderoga. An AMBER Alert was initially issued on Sunday (July 20) after her father, Luciano Frattolin, reported her missing, claiming she had been abducted in Lake George. However, authorities later found inconsistencies in his story, revealing that no abduction had occurred.
According to Times Union, Luciano Frattolin, a Canadian businessman, is currently in custody at the Essex County Jail. The New York State Police have characterized Melina's death as a homicide, but specific charges against her father have not yet been disclosed. He is scheduled to be arraigned at 10:30 a.m. today in Ticonderoga Town Court.
The search for Melina involved multiple agencies, including the State Police, Essex County Sheriff’s Office, and state forest rangers. Her body was discovered by a state Department of Environmental Conservation officer during a grid search on Sunday. The AMBER Alert, which was issued early Sunday morning, was canceled later that afternoon.
As reported by USA Today, the investigation has now been taken over by the State Police from the Warren County Sheriff's Office. A news conference is expected to provide further details today.
The community remains shocked by the incident, and investigators are working to piece together the events leading to Melina's death. The case continues to develop as authorities seek justice for the young girl.