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The court appearance for Luciano Frattolin, accused of murdering his nine-year-old daughter, Melina, has been postponed as the case moves to a grand jury. Frattolin, who reported Melina missing last weekend, is alleged to have killed her and left her body in a Ticonderoga pond. An Amber Alert was initially issued after Frattolin claimed Melina had been abducted in a white van near Lake George. However, police later found inconsistencies in his story, and Melina's body was discovered on Sunday (July 20) in the pond.
An autopsy conducted by Dr. Michael Sikirica at Glens Falls Hospital determined that Melina died from asphyxia due to drowning, and her death has been ruled a homicide. Frattolin, who has been charged with second-degree murder and concealment of a human corpse, remains in custody without bail.
The New York State Police are continuing their investigation and have asked the public for any additional video evidence or eyewitness accounts of the vehicle Frattolin and Melina traveled in, a gray 2024 Toyota Prius, between July 11 and July 19. Frattolin and Melina, residents of Montreal, were on vacation in the United States and were expected to return to Canada on July 19.
The case has attracted significant attention, with a memorial for Melina established in Ticonderoga. As the legal process continues, Frattolin's next court appearance will depend on the grand jury's decision.