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An autopsy has determined that nine-year-old Melina Frattolin died from asphyxia due to drowning, and her death has been ruled a homicide. Her father, Luciano Frattolin, is accused of murdering her over the weekend. Authorities found Melina's body in a shallow pond in Ticonderoga on Sunday (July 20).
Luciano Frattolin, 45, initially reported his daughter as kidnapped from Lake George on Saturday, prompting an Amber Alert. However, police found inconsistencies in his story. He has been charged with second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse. Frattolin, who has dual citizenship in Ethiopia and Italy and a Canadian visa, was on vacation with Melina in the U.S. They were returning to Montreal after visiting New York City and Connecticut.
Surveillance footage captured them in Saratoga Springs on Saturday evening, and Melina spoke to her mother around 6:30 p.m. that day, appearing to be in good health. Police are investigating the timeline and seeking public assistance for any information about a gray 2024 Toyota Prius, which Frattolin was driving.
Luciano Frattolin is currently in custody and is due back in court on Friday (July 25). Anyone who needs to talk can call 800-273-8255 no matter the time of day.