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In a tragic development, Luciano Frattolin has been charged with the murder of his nine-year-old daughter, Melina Frattolin, after her body was discovered in Ticonderoga. Melina's father, Luciano, initially reported her missing on Saturday (July 19) near Exit 22 of Interstate-87 in Lake George, claiming she had been abducted. However, the investigation has since revealed that Melina died by asphyxia due to drowning, and the manner of death has been ruled a homicide.
According to New York State Police, the pair, both residents of Montreal, Quebec, had entered the United States for a vacation on July 11 and were due to return to Canada on July 19. Surveillance footage captured Melina with her father in Saratoga Springs on the evening of July 19, and she spoke to her mother by phone without indicating any distress. However, later that night, Luciano reported her missing.
On Sunday (July 20), a search team found Melina's body in a pond in Ticonderoga. Despite Luciano's claims of an abduction involving a suspicious white van, no evidence supports this account. Luciano Frattolin has been charged with second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse. He is currently held at the Essex County Correctional Facility and was scheduled for arraignment on July 21.
The New York State Police are seeking public assistance in gathering additional information or video evidence of the gray 2024 Toyota Prius that Luciano and Melina traveled in between Exits 20 and 28 on the Northway. Anyone with information is urged to contact the authorities.